Over 70 leading organisations across the state have welcomed new digital talent to their teams this month thanks to the Victorian Government’s Digital Jobs program equipping mid-career workers with in-demand digital skills.
The $64 million landmark program has successfully supported businesses looking to take on digitally-skilled mid-career workers by providing individuals with training in areas ranging from data analytics and cybersecurity to software engineering and artificial intelligence.
“We know technology is the driving force behind business, and the demand for digital skills is growing rapidly here in Victoria,” Minister for Innovation, Medical Research and the Digital Economy Jaala Pulford said.
“The Digital Jobs candidates are proving their worth at leading companies like carsales and RACV, and we invite more Victorian businesses to take advantage of this Australian-first initiative.”
The training under the program runs over 12 weeks before a 12-week digital internship at a Victorian business.
Carsales and RACV are among the first companies to benefit from the program.
Carsales’ Chief Executive Cameron McIntyre stated that the Digital Jobs program was a great opportunity for those who want to expand their digital skills and transition into a digital-focused career.
The car company has been involved as a strategic partner in the program since its infancy. They have now taken in two interns who are using their newfound skills in product design and cyber security.
Meanwhile, RACV has five interns from the program who are now working in areas such as web development, cyber security and UX design. During their first month, the workers have been developing innovative ideas to enhance the digital experience for RACV’s members.
“Having the right team members in place with the right digital skills has been absolutely imperative for the successful rollout of our digital transformation program – we hope that the best and the brightest digital talent continue to consider RACV as an employer of choice,” RACV’s General Executive Manager (membership) Mark Geraghty said.
Other businesses that are embracing the opportunity to hire from this new pool of digital talent include MYOB, HESTA, Deloitte, Computershare, Infosys, Cognizant and ANZ.
Aside from gaining access to a talent pool of potential employees, participating businesses will also receive a $5,000 wage subsidy per intern.
Around 80 per cent of round-one participants are tertiary qualified and have experience in non-digital roles spanning tourism and hospitality, banking, construction and engineering, arts and entertainment, and healthcare.
Round two participants have started the training program this month. Victorian businesses are being invited to host candidates, with internships to begin from January 2022.
Applications for future rounds are open to mid-career Victorians and businesses seeking new digital talent.
Source: Victorian Government Media Release