The Digital Jobs program is creating a new pipeline of talent to meet the digital skills needs of Victorian employers. It takes capable, experienced mid-career workers looking for a career change and helps them become data analysts, digital marketers, agile project managers and more. Over the next 3 years, up to 5,000 Victorians over the age of 30 will complete the program. 

Digital Jobs Program is producing dividends 

Running since mid-2021, some of the participants share their thoughts on the benefits of being part of the program so far.

Sally Williams, Tech Performance Lead at ANZ, says “They’re older people who are changing careers and so they’re really passionate about it. They’re not straight out of uni and they bring life experience with them. I think it’s a no brainer to get into the program, it’s been brilliant.” With many of ANZ’s 20 interns now offered fulltime work, Digital Jobs has proven to be an extremely valuable exercise for Sally and her team. 

One of the ANZ interns was Reetu Sangar. Reetu originally trained in computer science but had been running a daycare centre for the last 10 years. When COVID hit she was forced to re-think her career. 

Reetu joined Digital Jobs in July 2021, completed a cloud computing course with Goanna Education and secured an internship placement with ANZ. Before the internship had even finished, Reetu was offered a permanent position with ANZ, and was well on her way to a new career in digital. “Something I keep telling my daughter is that there are times when other people see the potential in you that you don’t see within yourself.”  

Sophie Turner from the Victorian Department of Premier and Cabinet is seeing similar benefits. “The program is a win-win situation. One of the exceptional benefits of retraining experienced, mid-career professionals is the depth of outside knowledge they bring with them to the job.“

With their significant life and work experience, Sophie thinks Digital Jobs interns have a head start over recent graduates.  “Our intern knew how to ask really pertinent questions that went to the heart of the project he worked on, which made us reflect on our own work practises and processes. His insightful questions and problem-solving ability came from his previous life and work experiences. He also had an established professional attitude towards work.”  

Looking for digital talent? 

The Digital Jobs Program can help you find and recruit mid-career people ready to bring their experience and digital skills to your organisation.

Right now there are still a number of opportunities for businesses to host interns as part of Round 2 of the program, particularly in the areas of cyber security, cloud computing and data analytics.

Businesses hosting interns will receive a $5,000 grant for each intern they employ and can start internships up to 28 February 2022. You can apply now for Round 2 or future rounds.

Victorian organisations already on board include ANZ, Zendesk, Carsales, Microsoft, Swisse, Salesforce, InfoSys, Siemens, RACV and Zendesk. 

Building Victoria’s digital workforce

The Victorian Government’s $63.8 million Digital Jobs program is building a talent pool of professionals who can meet the growing need for digital expertise in the state. By upskilling mid-career Victorians and supporting them to transition into digital careers, we’re backing them to succeed.

Digital Jobs delivers value to both Victorians and businesses, creating opportunities for newly trained digital talent and their employers to help drive Victoria’s economic growth. 

How you can get involved 

1. Register here to attend the next online briefing for businesses at 10-11am AEDT on 2 February 2022 

2. Email us at digitaljobsprogram@ecodev.vic.gov.au and we’ll be in touch to answer your questions

3. Register your interest in the program to receive further information. 

4. Read through the frequently asked questions on the site.

 Digital Jobs is a Victorian Government program.