The Andrews Labor Government is creating hundreds more opportunities for Victorians to start new digital careers.
Minister for Industry and Innovation Ben Carroll today visited Victoria University, to hear about the success of the $63.8 million Digital Jobs program and welcome new recruits for its sixth round.
The program supports mid-career Victorians through 12-week intensive training courses to gain qualifications and skills in cyber security, IT support, digital marketing and business analytics, before they are matched with a Victorian business for a 12-week job placement.
In this latest round, a $2.5 million investment will support 800 more candidates to complete their training, while a separate $5,000 wage subsidy is available to eligible Victorian employers towards the cost of employing candidates during 12-week internships.
Since it was launched in August 2021, the Digital Jobs program has helped match more than 740 Victorian businesses with more than 2,500 candidates, offering a range of experience, talents and transferrable skills.
The inclusive program supports those mid-career, women, regional and culturally diverse Victorians to find a job in the digital economy - to date, 56 per cent of candidates have been women, while 65 per cent speak a language other than English and 13 per cent live in regional Victoria.
GrantGuru CEO Adrian Spencer is one employer to benefit from the program, taking on several new employees including former hospitality worker David Nicholson who now works full-time as a developer.
Several top Victorian employers are finding the digital talent they need through Digital Jobs including carsales.com Ltd, PwC Australia, CBA, Amazon Web Services, MYOB, Salesforce and Computershare.
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.
Businesses can register for an online information session on 8 February 2023 or find out more at www.vic.gov.au/digital-jobs/businessesExternal Link
As stated by Minister for Industry and Innovation Ben Carroll
"We're supporting Victorians to transition into digital careers and open the door to exciting new work opportunities, by backing them with the training they need and a foot in the door."
"Victorian businesses are in need of workers with digital skills, and this program is delivering a skilled workforce equipped for jobs of the future."
As stated by Victoria University Vice Chancellor Professor Adam Shoemaker
"Digital skills have never been in such high demand - particularly across Melbourne's west. Victoria University is very proud to provide this essential training through our award-winning VU Polytechnic."
