Flinders University is expanding its digital technology training program for women thanks to the latest $3.4 million commitment from the federal government. 

The university’s Diploma of Digital Technologies is adding a further 120 places for women who wish to gain practical high-tech digital skills vital for their career path. 

This latest commitment follows the first round of funding for women in STEM in 2021 and is in line with the federal government’s target of creating 1.2 million tech-related jobs by 2030. 

“This successful course has already benefited workers around Australia from a range of industries, from advanced manufacturing, defence and space to wine, government, small-to-medium businesses – and STEM teachers who will encourage more students into engineering and other fields – and is helping to raise equity and new opportunities for women in STEM careers,” Flinders University’s Professor of Innovation Giselle Rampersad said.  

“Our award-winning Diploma of Digital Technologies, supported by the federally funded Women in STEM Cadetships and Advanced Apprenticeship Program, will now add to the success of the first round of funding, and build on the 150 women currently gaining skills through the program.” 

The Flinders University’s digital technology training program has expanded across the country, providing professional development opportunities to women across multiple organisations.  

Professor Rampersad states the program proves that the outcomes of the collaboration can be further expanded and scaled to others, including renewables and medical technologies.  

“Indeed, the program is significant in promoting and elevating equity and access across the higher education sector nationally,” she said.  

“There is outstanding innovation happening, which is an exemplar model for developing a future-enabled workforce in collaboration with industry, for economic development and jobs growth for our young people.”  

The program, which started in 2020 with industry partner BAE Systems, has met another milestone this year with 70 interstate female participants.  

“This has been a great program that started with upskilling shipbuilders for the future – but it’s now so much more than that,” BAE Systems Australia Chief People Officer Danielle Mesa said. 

“Now it’s not just ensuring our people are ready to embrace the new technologies needed for the Hunter Class Frigate Program but the broader defence manufacturing industry which is undergoing rapid change.” 

Source: Flinders University media release. Content has been edited for style and length. 

Eliza Sayon

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Eliza is a content producer and editor at Public Spectrum. She is an experienced writer on topics related to the government and to the public, as well as stories that uplift and improve the community.

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