Tara Murray
VU Polytechnic will provide industry-backed digital skills training for Victorians reimagining their careers.
The university has partnered with the state government on a $64 million initiative, the first of its kind in Australia, designed to address Australia’s growing need for digital skills.
Across the next three years the program will equip up to 5,000 mid-career Victorians with future focused digital skills and place them in paid, short term digital roles with Victorian businesses.
Successful candidates will undertake a 12-week training course in digital skills, followed by a 12-week paid internship with a business in a digital role.
The course will focus on cybersecurity foundations, software engineering and information technology support.
In 2019, VU Polytechnic launched a Cyber Security Operations Centre (Cyber SOC) in partnership with Cisco at the St Albans campus and re-established the digital technology arm of its vocational training.
The university also has its polytechnic’s Sunshine Skills Hub opened in 2020 and the Wyndham Tech School.
VU deputy Vice-Chancellor (interim) of vocational education and pathways Dianne Semmens said they were proud to support the state’s modern and evolving workforce which needs people with digital skills.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated technology-enhanced working and business practices, and access to flexible, high-quality training that allows Victorians to transition into a digital career is critical to the growth of our economy.”
Minister for Innovation Jaala Pulford said the state government was committed to growing Victoria’s pipeline of tech talent.
“We know the demand for digital talent is increasing rapidly, and the digital jobs program has been designed to build our tech workforce and create new opportunities for Victorians.”
“It’s fantastic to see VU Polytechnic jumping on board. Their involvement will mean participants will learn from one of the state’s best training providers, equipping them with great skills for the next stage of their career.”
