Photo: Max Potts The Earth Village Community, Jenny Barber, Victoria University Polytechnic, Archana Chanddrabu Victoria University [Source: DJSIR] SummerTech LIVE program helps students become job ready and businesses boost digital skills Thanks to a Victorian Government program, more than 170 technology students used their summer break to get hands-on experience while also helping Victorian businesses solve real-world tech challenges. The highly successful SummerTech LIVE program operates as a paid 10–12-week studentship during the summer break. Students and graduates receive $5,000 each for their participation and the program is delivered at no cost to businesses. The program has matched more than 500 students with 290 Victorian businesses since it began in 2017. Last year, the Victorian Government announced it would inject a further $2.5 million over two years, allowing even more students to kickstart their digital careers, while also providing much-needed digital skills to Victorian businesses. STL2023 Showcase On 18 April, students and employers presented their projects at a showcase event, sharing their learnings and achievements. Photo: Kelly Hutchinson returned as MC for the fourth year and kept the teams on track with their 3-minute pitches. [Source: DJSIR] Besides supporting students to gain vital professional skills and build their networks, SummerTech LIVE is also focused on increasing cyber security by connecting businesses with a workforce that can develop solutions and tackle constant threats head-on. SummerTech LIVE is delivered on behalf of the Victorian Government by the Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI). The next round of SummerTech LIVE is expected to open later this year. For more information, please visit SummerTech LIVE. Originally published by Victorian Connection on 19 April 2023
Image credit: Kangan Institute, Facebook Electric vehicle lab puts Kangan Institute in the driver’s seat The advanced automotive and electrical lab is home to the latest technology in electronic training boards and simulators, new computers and software programs and sophisticated teaching aids. This equipment can simulate almost all variants of EVs, making it flexible and adaptable to current and future markets. These facilities will upskill existing industry technicians and provide improved learning opportunities for new students and apprentices and to make sure Victorians thrive as soon as they enter the workforce - key components in establishing a long-term, competitive electric vehicle industry. Kangan Institute will deliver a wide range of EV-specific accredited courses and skills to give those in the automotive industry the chance to upskill. A new apprenticeship program specialising in EVs will give all Australians the opportunity to train and work in this emerging industry. This announcement will assist Victoria to achieve its goal for electric vehicles to make up half of all new light vehicle sales by 2030, helping Victoria halve emissions in the same period and achieve net zero emissions by 2050. Learn about Victoria’s clean energy investment opportunities or contact Invest Victoria to explore investment options. Originally published by Invest Victoria on 12 April 2023 'Electric vehicle lab puts Kangan Institute in driver’s seat'
A new grant program will help Victorian manufacturers develop the digital capabilities they need to maintain their competitive advantage by providing free training to employees. Applications are now open for the $4.5 million Digital Jobs for Manufacturing program, which will help local manufacturers adapt to an increasingly digital world by providing hundreds of workers with sought after skills. Global manufacturing is becoming increasingly technology-driven, requiring businesses to build up their digital expertise through a highly skilled workforce. The program builds on the $64 million Digital Jobs program that is retraining 5,000 mid-career Victorians and supporting them to transition into a digital career. Grants of up to $5,000 per employee are available to eligible manufacturing businesses to enrol nominated employees in free 12-week training courses with Victoria’s top universities, TAFEs and training providers. The courses run part-time which means employees can continue working while they study, allowing them to learn a new digital skill and apply it to their role. The Digital Jobs for Manufacturing Program provides funding to enrol a nominated employee in an industry-endorsed digital skills course in one of the following streams: Artificial Intelligence (AI) / machine learning Cloud computing Customer relationship management (CRM) Cybersecurity Data analytics Digital marketing Enterprise resource planning (ERP) IT operations and support Product management Programming / software development Project management (agile) User experience design / User interface design (UX/UI) Web development Ego Pharmaceuticals video See how Ego Pharmaceuticals gained access to a new pool of talent to build its digital marketing capability through the Digital Jobs program. Key Dates Courses will run in January, May and September 2023 and January and April 2024. Applications open on Friday 14 October 2022 and close at 11:59pm on 31 March 2024 (unless funds are allocated earlier). To learn more and apply, visit: Digital Jobs for Manufacturing.
Emerge stronger with free online learning The impacts of coronavirus (COVID-19) are being felt by many of Victoria’s small businesses. Get practical help with free online courses, live and on-demand events and a range of business resources to help you prepare for a strong recovery. Check out upcoming events right here on the DIFvic Online Event Hub Ifyou're after more head over to the Upskill My Business site where you can connect to short courses from the state’s top education providers and industry experts. Choose from a range of online courses via Business Victoria Upskill My Business connects you to short courses, online events and resources from the state’s top education providers and industry experts. Courses on offer can help you regain ground to find more customers, better manage cash flow or just prepare for new market conditions. Gain new skills and knowledge to keep your business moving forward. Take advantage of fee waivers for dozens of premium courses from top providers. Explore Explore courses and webinars by topic, and find one that suits your needs. Build business resilience to get through coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions How to run your business from home effectively How to manage mental health and wellbeing How to manage your cash flow better How to market your business How to export products overseas