Henry’s path to the APS Data and Digital Cadet program

Having spent the last six years as a mathematics teacher, Henry’s passion for mathematics led him back to the University of Newcastle to complete a Master of Data Science.

Henry previously entered the University of Newcastle through the Open Foundation pathway and then commenced a Bachelor of Science majoring in Mathematics and Chemistry. The positive experience he had in his degree motivated him to continue on to further study.

“It was a fantastic experience from which I formed long-lasting relationships and gained valuable skills. These experiences steered me back towards the University of Newcastle for my postgraduate study,” Henry said.

While studying his Master’s, Henry applied for a Data Cadet role within the Australian Public Service (APS) Academy Campus Program which is located on-site at Callaghan Campus. The Academy Campus program enables students studying a range of graduate or postgraduate degrees in data or digital related fields to commence a career in the APS while still at university.  They work part time as a Data or Digital Cadet while studying, moving to full-time employment with their government agency when their qualification is attained.

His application was successful and being able to work while studying proved a huge delight for Henry.

“The APS academy now allows me to continue working for the Australian public in the data and digital space and provide data driven insights to improve our quality of life,” Henry said.

He says the Master’s program combined with the APS Data and Digital Cadet program gave him the chance to change careers from a high school mathematics teacher to the data science field.

“The program has allowed me to change my career and start a new adventure in the data science world,” Henry said.

Henry says his university experiences were positively shaped by his professors and inspired him to continue his academic journey.

“Professor Brailey Sims was one of my first lecturers in mathematical analysis at the University of Newcastle and inspired me to pursue further studies in mathematics,” he said.

The APS Data and Digital Cadet program has allowed Henry to return to study while working in his desired career. Henry’s goal is to complete his Master's and continue further employment within the APS, applying his studies in related career opportunities.

“I want to continue my career with the APS as a developing data professional, exploring data science opportunities within the field,” he said.

Henry Shearman

The APS campus at the University of Newcastle allowed Henry to further his studies while working in his desired field.