Vic Govt uses industry insights to foster digital workforce

The Victorian Government is working with industry to identify the digital needs of Victorian businesses, prior to the launch of the $64 million Digital Skills and Jobs program. The program will provide a cost-effective approach to developing digital talent and building digital capability within Victorian businesses, while driving economic recovery and jobs growth.

Member for Mount Waverley Matt Fregon led an industry roundtable on behalf of Minister for Innovation, Medical Research and Digital Economy Jaala Pulford, where representatives shared their views on the demand for digital skills. Findings from the roundtable discussion will help shape the design and delivery of the program, to ensure it benefits businesses in the short and long term. Fregon will champion the program alongside Minister Pulford, bringing 20 years’ experience as an IT professional and business owner to the role.

“For this program to be successful, it must be designed and delivered in partnership with industry. By ensuring it delivers value to businesses, we will create opportunities for both workers and employers, and help to drive Victoria’s economic recovery,” said Fregon.

Over the next four years, the Digital Skills and Jobs program will recruit 5000 mid-career Victorian workers whose jobs have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic to transition into digital careers. Applications for round one will open in late April, with candidates expected to start training mid-year. Victorian businesses of any size with digital recruitment needs are encouraged to join the program, with digital internships to commence around September.

Minister Pulford said the Digital Skills and Jobs program will be a game changer for Victoria, and will significantly grow the state’s digital workforce.

“Co-designed with Victorian businesses, the short courses and industry placements will equip workers with the skills and experience to transition into a digital career,” said Minister Pulford.

In 2019, Deloitte forecast that Victoria would need 33,000 technology workers over the next five years; the program aims to respond to the growing demand for people with digital skills for jobs, such as software developers and programmers, data analysts and cybersecurity specialists.

Businesses looking for more information, and to register their interest in joining the program, can click here.

Image credit: ©stock.adobe.com/au/Sikov