Writing for the APS
About this course
Topics
- APS writing requirements
- Australian Government Style Manual
- APS writing preferences for sentences
- Government tone for emails
- Active voice
- Clear and concise writing
What you'll learn
At the end of this program, you will be able to:
- Explain how APS writing is different to other sectors
- Plan writing to reflect the needs of your reader and purpose
- Structure your writing to support busy decision-makers
- Edit writing for plain English (active, clear and concise)
Upcoming sessions
Register your interest
No dates scheduled yet. Register your interest and we'll email you as soon as dates are announced.
“Very engaging, easy to talk with, inclusive, outgoing. All of it was very interesting, informative and useful — I thoroughly enjoyed it.”
- Electronic fillable workbook
Want this course just for your team?
We deliver all programs for specific teams or agencies.
Request a team sessionRelated courses
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Common questions about Writing for the APS
Who is Writing for the APS for?
Graduates and new starters. Explore APS writing requirements and how to develop an effective government tone.
How much does Writing for the APS cost?
$990 inc. GST per participant. That covers the live sessions, the electronic fillable workbook you keep afterwards, and any activities between sessions. The price is the same for every agency, and it is the same whether you attend from Canberra or anywhere else in Australia.
How long does Writing for the APS run?
The course runs over 2 half-days — 6 hours of live facilitation in total, on separate days rather than back to back. Sessions are scheduled as half-days so they fit around a normal workday.
Is it delivered online or face to face?
Online. This course is delivered virtually via Microsoft Teams, so you join from wherever you usually work — no travel and no room booking. Face-to-face delivery can be arranged when a team or agency books the course privately.
How many people are in a session?
Up to 20 participants. The cap is there to protect how much individual practice and feedback each person gets, so sessions are not scaled up beyond it.
What will I be able to do afterwards?
By the end of Writing for the APS you will be able to explain how APS writing is different to other sectors; plan writing to reflect the needs of your reader and purpose; structure your writing to support busy decision-makers. You also keep the electronic fillable workbook, which is designed to be used at your desk afterwards rather than filed away.
Can my agency book this course just for our team?
Yes. Any course can be booked as a private team session, scheduled around your calendar and contextualised to your agency's own writing. Team sessions are priced per course rather than per participant, so for a group they usually cost less than open enrolment.
How do I pay?
You can pay by card when you register, or choose to be invoiced. Choosing invoice sends you a confirmation immediately with a reference number, and the invoice follows separately. Either way you receive a tax invoice showing the GST component and MPA Consulting's ABN.