Education program to boost workers in technology sector

The Virtual Work Experience program will allow people aged between 14 and 25 to build their digital skills.

The program is a partnership between the federal government and the Tech Council of Australia, and draws on the support of software giant Microsoft, the Commonwealth Bank of Australia and the National Broadband Network.

Social Services Minister Amanda Rishworth said the program would also help reduce the employment barriers for those experiencing disadvantage or those with a disability.

"This virtual program will engage disadvantaged young people and other groups under-represented in the tech sector, such as people with disability, to realise their potential to be part of the fastest growing job industry in Australia," she said.

"Tech Council of Australia has worked with an expert advisory panel to ensure the program's accessibility for young people with disability."

The genesis for the program came following the Jobs and Skills Summit, which was held in Canberra in 2022.

Young people taking part will also gain industry-relevant experience, which will go towards gaining jobs in technology fields.

Modules provided to prospective students will help them develop skills across cyber security, software engineering and data science.

It will also be made available to more than 2200 schools across Australia.

Tech Council of Australia chair Robyn Denholm said the initiative will help the organisation reach a target of 1.2 million jobs in the industry by 2030.

"Tech jobs are amongst the fastest growing and best jobs in our economy," she said.

"It's a very egalitarian industry, we want more women, Indigenous Australians, people with disability and those living in outer suburbs and regional Australia to have the ability to access these fulfilling careers."

It's estimated that 860,000 people are working in technology-related fields in Australia.

Australian Associated Press