Victorians in the middle of their career are being given the opportunity to re-shape their job prospects and move into the tech space, thanks to the Allan Labor Government’s Digital Jobs Program.
Minister for Jobs and Industry Natalie Hutchins today announced the Digital Jobs Program has hit a milestone with 5,000 Victorian workers completing the specialist training since it was launched in 2021.
Now in its ninth round, the nation-first initiative provides vital training and work experience for mid-career Victorians looking to transition into a role with a local tech company, while supporting those local companies to address skill shortages in cyber security, programming, data analytics and digital marketing.
Through the program, participants receive 12 weeks of digital skills training, career coaching, technical mentoring and opportunities to undertake 12-week paid work placements at a local company.
The program has a strong focus on workers often underrepresented in the digital workforce, with 59 per cent of participants being women, compared to 31 per cent women participation in the tech sector, and 64 per cent speaking a language other than English. The program also includes a pathway for neurodiverse participants.
Around 350 Victorian businesses have sourced digital talent from the program, including Jetstar, carsales and NBN Co.
Courses are selected by an industry advisory panel and delivered by Victoria’s leading training providers to equip businesses with a new pool of talent to support their growth.
To find out more about the program, please visit vic.gov.au/digitaljobs.
As stated by Minister for Jobs and Industry Natalie Hutchins
“We know there is a critical demand for digital skills in our state’s workforce and the Digital Jobs Program is helping Victorians get those skills to address that demand.”
“This latest round of the Digital Jobs program marks 5,000 participants going through this nation-leading initiative, supporting mid-career Victorians to transform their careers and move into highly sought after tech space.”
As stated by carsales Managing Director Paul Barlow
“Finding skilled talent in digital roles is competitive and working with the Digital Jobs Program has given us access to mature and motivated talent who have an eagerness to learn and grow.”
