Technology and services consultancy, NCS Australia has partnered with Swinburne University to deliver top under and postgraduate learning through its Australian Graduate School of Entrepreneurship (AGSE) in the School of Business, Law and Entrepreneurship to help address the technology talent shortage and shape the future of digital business education in Australia.
What does the partnership mean for the tech industry?
The new strategic partnership will help develop local talent and equip students with the knowledge and practical experience to thrive in the tech industry by providing student placements, student internships and collaborations within innovation leader, NCS Australia.
This is a timely alliance because Australia’s tech sector is projected to require an additional 600,000 skilled professionals by 2030, according to research by the Tech Council of Australia. Swinburne University will foster a dynamic learning environment by leveraging NCS’ expertise and industry insights with a focus on blended, intensive, and immersive teaching methods.
Additionally, the strategic collaboration will also contribute to the development and delivery of innovative course materials and units that align with the evolving needs of the digital business landscape. The program, which provides guest speakers, advising on relevant curriculum, and supporting capstone projects, is a tremendous opportunity that ensures that students gain real-world exposure and develop practical skills aligned with the industry’s latest trends.
This post-graduate degree will provide students with the industry, digital and technical insights to be work-ready as the next wave of tech talent to fill the technology talent gap in Australia.
Swinburne University’s commitment to co-creating education with industry leaders and delivering programs that directly address the demands of a rapidly evolving workforce is exemplified by this strategic collaboration. The program will commence in September 2023.
What does the partnership mean for stakeholders?
Alexander Kaiser, Director, Industry Engagement School of Business, Law & Entrepreneurship, Swinburne University of Technology, says, “This collaboration with NCS Australia is incredibly thrilling for us, as it enables us to offer top-tier education tailored for today’s graduates.”
“Our programs are meticulously crafted with the future in mind. With over a century of experience, we are committed to co-creating and delivering transformative education through robust industry involvement, social inclusivity, and a resolute drive for positive impact across our undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. NCS Australia is our principal discipline partner for information systems and business analysis and analytics,” Kaiser further added.
“We are an innovative university that continually evolves to ensure our students receive the finest education and gain access to industry experts, both locally and internationally. By collaborating with NCS Australia, Swinburne is solidifying its position as a trailblazer in equipping individuals from diverse backgrounds for the future of employment,” Kaiser said.
Commenting on the strategic partnership between the firms, Tristan Sternson, Global co-lead at NCS Next and Director of Swinburne University of Technology Advisory Board and winner of the 2022 Swinburne University of Technology Alumni Technology Innovation and Impact Award, said, “I have always considered myself a techie first, and business leader second.”
“My passion for technology is something that first lead me to study an undergraduate degree in IT at Swinburne many years ago, setting up a solid foundation for my career choices that followed and it is an honour to now be in a position where I can share my learnings across technology, entrepreneurship and leading a global team,” Tristan Sternson further added.

“Education is critical and I’m excited about the possibilities that can come from one of the most innovative Universities collaborating with a global innovation leader like NCS,” he said.
“We share the same ambition to develop local talent, create lasting impact and help change the narrative about the tech skills shortage. With this program we’re in a unique position to not only champion great talent in Australia but also build close connections between Australia and the rest of APAC region, empowering further skills training and career opportunities.”
“By collaborating with NCS Australia, Swinburne is solidifying its position as a trailblazer in equipping individuals from diverse backgrounds for the future of employment,” he added.
Marcus Salouk, Country Lead at NCS Australia and Global Sales lead at NCS, commented, “NCS Australia is proud to collaborate with Swinburne University in delivering a world class program that supports shaping the future of digital business education. Swinburne is one of the leading universities in digital innovation, so we see this relationship as a natural fit.”