VU supports skills boost for Victorians seeking digital careers

Victoria University (VU) and the Victorian Government today welcomed new recruits to a three-year $64 million Digital Jobs program designed to equip up to 5000 mid-career workers with future-focussed digital skills.

Tuesday 24 January 2023

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.

VU Vice-Chancellor Professor Adam Shoemaker joined Minister for Industry and Innovation The Honourable Ben Carroll to mark a $2.5 million 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 per cent of current jobs in Australia require digital literacy skills, with Deloitte forecasting that Victoria will need an extra 33,000 technology workers by 2024.

Since the program launched in August 2021, Victoria University Polytechnic (VU’s TAFE division) has supported 149 graduates through the online course, with another 75 students set for the next round.

VU Polytechnic key partner in program

“Digital skills have never been in such high demand – particularly across Melbourne’s west,” said Professor Shoemaker. “Victoria University is very proud to provide this essential training in highly sought-after and transferable skills through our award-winning VU Polytechnic.”

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.

In 2019, VU Polytechnic launched a Cyber Security Operations Centre (Cyber SOC) in partnership with Cisco at its St Albans Campus, and re-established the digital technology arm of its vocational training.

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.”

Employers can fast-track recruitment for digital roles

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.

Other employers in the program include carsales.com, PwC Australia, CBA, Amazon Web Services, MYOB, Salesforce, and Computershare.

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.