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The government in Victoria is enhancing opportunities for residents to acquire the skills necessary for careers in the digital and tech sectors through increased investment in training programmes. The region’s Minister for Jobs and Industry announced the opening of applications for the latest Labor Government’s Digital Jobs programme rounds.
This initiative aims to support 400 mid-career Victorians by providing them with 12 weeks of free training in various digital fields such as data analytics, digital marketing, IT operations and support, user experience, programming, and web development.
Upon completion of the training, participants can apply for a 12-week work placement, allowing them to gain practical experience in their chosen digital field. This hands-on experience is designed to enhance their employability and help them transition into new careers within Victoria’s tech industry.
The Victorian Budget for 2024/25 includes an AU$4.4 million investment to further this initiative, aiming to help workers reshape their career prospects by moving into the state’s growing tech sector and addressing critical skill shortages. Additionally, the Government is providing ongoing employment services support for 600 existing programme participants to assist them in securing jobs in the tech sector.
Since its launch in August 2021, the Digital Jobs programme has helped over 5,000 individuals transition into digital careers. Notably, 59% of participants were female, 63% spoke a language other than English, and 40% were over the age of 40. Participants from non-digital backgrounds who transitioned into digital roles experienced an average increase of AU$ 500 in their weekly wages, highlighting the programme’s effectiveness in boosting participants’ earning potential.
The programme has garnered the support of more than 1,300 registered business hosts, ranging from small businesses to large companies. This bank has successfully integrated five candidates from the programme into permanent employment positions. Melissa Burnett, a software engineer, secured a permanent role with Bendigo and Adelaide Bank after completing her placement, where she now contributes to the bank’s digital transformation efforts.
The Digital Jobs programme is part of a broader suite of government initiatives aimed at fostering digital skills and talent. Other notable programmes include the Women in Security programme, which provides pathways for women to enter cyber careers, and the Cremorne Digital Hub, which supports digital talent development.
Applications for the 10th round of the Digital Jobs programme, commencing in early August, and the 11th round, starting in mid-November, are currently open. Interested individuals can learn more about the programme and apply by visiting vic.gov.au/digitaljobs.
The Minister for Jobs and Industry emphasised that the government’s support aims to equip more Victorians with critical digital skills, enabling them to transition into tech jobs and bolster the state’s business competitiveness and productivity. The latest rounds of this initiative are expected to help meet the growing demand for digital skills in the industry while offering participants a transformative career change.
The Chief People Officer at a local bank highlighted the programme’s success in providing a reliable and diverse pipeline of tech talent, particularly benefiting female and regional candidates. Melissa Burnett, a beneficiary of the programme, praised it as a significant stepping stone for her career in the tech industry.
