Women in IT Executive Mentoring

Our Dell Women in IT Executive Mentoring program is for talented EL2 women in APS who want to progress as a leader within the digital landscape. Sponsored by Dell, this program matches senior executive mentors with female EL2 mentees from across government. It aims to help women develop their potential as a leader in digital.

About the program

The Women in IT Executive Mentoring (WITEM™) is a mentoring and coaching program sponsored by Dell™. Our program develops APS women as leaders in senior digital and ICT roles. Over the past 13 years, around 400 people have participated in WITEM™.

We match senior executive mentors with EL2 women from across government. Mentees work with their mentor and other mentees in developing networks and career.

WITEM™ is delivered over 12 months. At a minimum, each mentor and mentee pair are expected to commit to a 1-hour catch-up each month. In addition, the program provides: 

  • an induction
  • guidance/information session
  • program launch
  • mid-program face-to-face session
  • a wrap-up and forward planning session
  • other networking events.

Mentees will also participate in facilitated group discussions, where they can safely share their experiences.

The cost is approximately $2750 (inclusive of GST) per mentee participant (excluding travel to program events). There is no charge for a mentor to participate.

Benefits of the program

The WITEM™ program has been refreshed to better support mentors and mentees – with more learning resources and opportunities to connect across government.

Mentees will benefit from:

  • customised guidance on career development
  • feedback on roadblocks or issues
  • developing professional relationships with their mentor and peers
  • learning about new perspectives in digital and government.

For mentors, the benefits are:

  • growing as a manager and leader, while helping others develop
  • guiding new leaders by sharing personal ideas and experiences
  • exposure to ideas and experiences outside of usual communication channels
  • access to talent for potential collaboration or recruitment.

Applying for the program

The program accepts nominations for mentor and mentee positions. We encourage senior executives to become a WITEM™ mentor. We also welcome applications from past mentees with an interest in becoming a mentor.

Mentees will require the endorsement of an SES leader/delegate as part of the application process.

The program is undergoing review. If you have any questions about the WITEM™ program or would like to place your name on the waiting list for future WITEM™ programs, please email digitalprofession@apsc.gov.au