The Public Service has recognised this. Through the Institute for the Public Services (IPS), the development needs of its employees are met by means of training programmes which are increasingly tailored to fit the competences required of these officials. At the same time, the Programmes and Initiatives Unit within IPS focuses on sponsoring Public Officers to further their studies and improve their career prospects. Studying does not necessarily mean putting your career on hold.

The work of the Programmes and Initiatives Unit goes beyond those already in employment, however, as it offers traineeship programmes at level 6 and 7 to students who, in this way, get the chance to combine theory with practice. A new traineeship is now also being offered to students studying ICT in levels 4, 5 and 6. Students get a foothold in the world of employment through the apprenticeship schemes, where IPS represents the Public Administration as the employer, and the IPS Students scheme. Students studying trades, ICT or other technical areas will have the opportunity to enrol and, on successful completion of their course, will be employed with the Public Service in line with the collective agreements of the respective areas.

The Research branch within the IPS ensures that the programmes on offer remain relevant and focused on addressing gaps that emerge with the ever-increasing demands of the Public Service. Highlighting this is the Leadership programme IPS is poised to launch, together with the myriad course topics that are on offer even through online platforms that IPS operates in collaboration with.

As the country evolves rapidly, it becomes increasingly important to ensure that the Public Service employees keeping the wheels in motion are professionally prepared to meet these challenges. In a customer-centric organisation that is the backbone of any administration, it is paramount that the machinery moves smoothly and seamlessly. The Public expects – and deserves – nothing less.