The pandemic has taught us many lessons and one of them is how important digitisation is, and will continue to be, in Victorian businesses.

Technology continues to be at the forefront of business growth and innovation and is increasingly used in a range of ways including self-service, streamlined processes and operations, intelligence-gathering, eCommerce and the list goes on and on. Digital technology is creating endless opportunities for business, but only if they embrace it.

For the fourth time, the Victorian Chamber has partnered with the Victorian Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions (DJPR) on the SummerTech LIVE program.

Businesses with digital technology problems are encouraged to register with eligible applicants matched with a tertiary student who they will host for a 10–12-week paid summer internship. As well as tackling real-world, digital technology issues, students will gain professional skills, create networks, and open themselves up to further employment opportunities.

The program was created to bridge the gap for students wanting to kickstart a career in the digital technology sector without relevant experience or connections, and SMEs who find it difficult to implement digital solutions on top of the day-to-day running of a business.

With no cost to business, the SummerTech LIVE program is a fantastic opportunity for all involved, with meaningful outcomes for both the student and business

Victorian Chamber Chief Executive Paul Guerra says the program is an investment in not just our workforce, but across Victoria’s skills, industry and future leaders and employers.

“Digital transformation is one of the biggest issues businesses currently face and COVID-19 has only accelerated the need to innovate and adapt to emerging technology and customer and workforce trends.

“The last 18 months have demonstrated just how crucial it is for businesses to adopt and adapt quickly to technology and digitisation, and it’s great that the State Government is providing programs and incentives to enable businesses to take advantage of the talent we have emerging in this sector.”

Minister for Innovation, Medical Research and the Digital Economy, Jaala Pulford says that we need to continue developing our tech workforce.

“We're proud to partner with the Victorian Chamber of Commerce to deliver the SummerTech LIVE program, which will help Victorian technology students to get practical, on-the-job experience, help Victorian businesses solve tech challenges, and drive Victoria’s economic growth and ensure that businesses have access to the best digital talent.”

Applications for businesses close on the 1st of November 2021. For more information and to register, click here.