The Victorian Government’s Digital Jobs program selects mid-career participants through a competitive three-step process and provides them with industry-backed training in high-demand skills.

Participants are required to be at least 30 years of age and come from diverse backgrounds with experience in a wide range of sectors.

They have newly acquired digital skills, demonstrated aptitude, and transferable skills from previous careers which enables them to make a valuable and immediate contribution to any business.

Experienced workers are available through a paid-work placement.

Through this program, Victorian employers will have access to:

• A talent pool of motivated and diverse workers with in-demand skills
• A wage subsidy of $5,000 for each participant
• Potential long-term employees who are a great fit for your organisation.

The Victorian Chamber recommends the program to members, with companies such as ANZ, AWS, carsales.com Ltd, Cognizant, Computershare, Microsoft, MYOB, Salesforce, Siemens, Sypaq and Zendesk already partnering with Digital Jobs and 90 per cent of business hosts indicating their intention to participate in future rounds of the program.

Anthea Corridon, General Manager People Partnering, carsales.com Ltd said: “What really appealed to us about Digital Jobs was the diversity of participants and accessing a new talent pool who are really passionate about their new career opportunities.

“The people we've had through the program really have been able to bring their maturity, life skills, previous work experiences and a real motivation to grow their career in a digital space. They’ve also been able contribute to our business in ways we didn’t expect.”

International professional services firm PricewaterhouseCoopers (PWC) also sourced talent via the program.

PwC partner Asanga Lukusooriya said: “The best part of Digital Jobs is getting to know mid-career individuals who are excited about the opportunity, and our teams were really pleased to have them amongst them as well. Through Digital Jobs we’re finding individuals who we otherwise may not have met.

Ghada Mahmoud, a former program participant who is now a data engineer at PwC said: “I would have never dreamed of being able to work in a job like this, especially with two young kids. I feel so supported and I’m excited for this next step in my career.”

How to get involved

Businesses can learn more about the program here and can register here for the upcoming Digital Jobs business information session 10-11am, Wednesday 7 September.