Microsoft Australia has joined e-Centric Innovations and the Victorian Government to establish an information technology training hub at LaTrobe University’s Bendigo Campus.
The SharePoint factory, which will concentrate on software development skills and aims to attract a higher number of information and communications technology students, will connect the university with industry and allow students to work as part of their degree.
The new initative, announced today, will create more than 150 jobs.
Microsoft Australia managing director, Pip Marlow, said the SharePoint factory was a great example of government, industry, the education sector and the local community coming together to create new skills enabling high value services to be delivered to Australia and the world from Bendigo, unlocking the potential of Victoria’s greatest natural resource – its people.
Victorian Premier, Dennis Napthine, said it would deliver highly skilled jobs to the Bendigo region while also providing valuable learning experiences and career pathways for LaTrobe University students.
“This is an exciting new opportunity for the Bendigo region. SharePoint software development skills are in short supply globally so this initiative presents significant long-term advantages for the local economy,” Dr Napthine said.
e-Centric Innovations managing director, Kee Wong, said the initiative would not only create a number high value jobs in Bendigo, but will help increase the number of students enrolling in ICT courses to meet Australia’s demand for a future driven by the digital economy.
La Trobe University Vice-Chancellor Professor John Dewar said La Trobe University, in particular the Bendigo campus, was delighted to participate in this partnership, which will provide IT students with a pathway to real employment in a high value area that has a global demand.
