Microsoft Traineeships to boost IT careers

The program, which combines paid, on the job training with a Certificate IV in Information Technology (ICT40118), aims to grow a diverse pipeline of tech talent against the backdrop of a growing IT skills shortage.

Students on the program will also obtain globally recognised Microsoft certifications as part of the Azure Administrator Certification Track.

TAFE Queensland CEO Mary Campbell says the partnership is a welcome addition to the training provider’s suite of industry partners.

“For more than 137 years TAFE Queensland has been delivering practical and industry-relevant training to equip students with the skills and experience they need to be job-ready and build lifelong careers," said Mrs Campbell.

“We pride ourselves on working with industry partners to ensure our training meets current and future employment demands. The addition of Microsoft and roll-out of this traineeship program will further enable us to deliver the skilled IT workforce that Queensland and Australia needs now and into the future."

Minister for Training and Skills Development Shannon Fentiman said this is a fantastic partnership which will provide more opportunities for our young Queenslanders to get hands-on learning that will lead to a successful career.

“Across the world, we saw businesses swiftly move their operations online during COVID-19 which has heightened the demand for more skilled IT workers," said Minister Fentiman.

As this is the first Microsoft Traineeship Program intake in Queensland, the program will initially commence with twenty positions available. The trainees will receive paid, on the job work experience with MEGT, who will recruit, screen, employ and support each trainee for the duration of the program.

Microsoft Australia Managing Director Steven Worrall said that traineeship programs offer an exciting career opportunity for those who have lost their jobs as a result of COVID-19.

The demand for people with technology skills is expected to grow as the economy recovers, exacerbating Australia’s IT skills shortage.

“By working with strategic delivery partners TAFE Queensland, Prodigy Learning and MEGT - as well as a network of partner and customer organisations in Queensland - we aim to create a new pipeline of exceptional IT talent,” said Mr Worrall.

“For aspiring trainees, school-leavers, career-changers, return to work parents, those displaced by COVID-19 and others looking to enter the industry - this program provides an excellent foot-in-the-door to an exciting and rewarding career in IT, including vital on-the-job educational opportunities.”

The Microsoft Traineeship Program is open to anyone with an interest and passion for IT, regardless of whether they have any previous qualifications or work experience.

Mercury IT Operations Manager Paul White is delighted now that the program is coming to Queensland.

“We are excited to be part of the Microsoft Traineeship Program as it provides an opportunity to introduce people into the industry while providing them the essential training that they need to succeed," said Mr White.

“We are looking forward to training some new talent, whilst fostering them into a long, successful career within IT. This program extends on the Mercury IT training we have been producing and executing in-house.”