Victoria University (VU) and the Victorian Government welcomed new recruits to a three-year $64 million Digital Jobs program designed to equip up to 5000 mid-career workers with future-focused digital skills. The 12-week intensive program trains candidates for recognised industry credentials in cybersecurity, IT support, digital marketing, and business analytics, before they are matched to a 12-week paid internship with a Victorian business.
Why is the program a game-changer?
VU Vice-Chancellor Professor Adam Shoemaker joined Minister for Industry and Innovation The Honourable Ben Carroll to mark a $2.5m investment to the program’s latest round, which will train 800 more candidates and provide $5000 wage subsidies to participating employers toward internships. Around 87% of current jobs in Australia require digital literacy skills, with Deloitte forecasting that Victoria will need an extra 33,000 tech workers by 2024.
Since the program launched in 2021, Victoria University Polytechnic (VU’s TAFE division) has supported 149 graduates through the course, with another 75 set for the next round.
In 2019, VU Polytechnic launched a Cyber Security Operations Centre in partnership with Cisco at St Albans Campus, and re-established the digital tech arm of its vocational training.
GrantGuru CEO Adrian Spencer – one employer to benefit from the program – has taken on two new employees including former hospitality worker David Nicholson, who now works full-time as a software developer, and completed his course through VU Polytechnic. Others include carsales.com, PwC Australia, CBA, AWS, MYOB, Salesforce, and Computershare.
What are VU’s thoughts on the program’s impact?
“Digital skills have never been in such high demand – particularly across Melbourne’s west. Victoria University is very proud to provide this essential training in highly sought-after and transferable skills through our award-winning VU Polytechnic,” said Prof Shoemaker. VU Polytechnic is well positioned to deliver the training due to its mission to support Melbourne’s west in its transition into digital trades from its traditional manufacturing-based economy.
Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Vocational Education, Dianne Semmens said VU Polytechnic is proud to contribute to the program and support the state’s evolving workforce, which requires digital skills now more than ever. “The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated technology-enhanced working and business practices, and access to flexible, high-quality training that allows Victorians to transition to a digital career is critical to our growth,” Dianne Semmens said.
Course participants must be a Victorian resident and aged over 30 with more than five years of work experience, or more than 10 years of total (not necessarily consecutive) work experience if aged under 30. Learn more about the Digital Jobs course, and apply here. In addition, businesses that are interested in hosting an intern can find out more here.
