More than 500 students from 134 schools across New South Wales are undertaking a week-long virtual work placement focused on artificial intelligence (AI) through a partnership between the NSW Department of Education and leading technology organisations.
The 2025 Vocational Education and Training (VET) Virtual Work Placement Program, delivered in collaboration with Amazon Web Services (AWS), CommBank, IBM ANZ, and Accenture, aims to help address the projected shortfall of 85,000 digital workers in Australia by 2030, the department said in a news release.
Running from 27 to 31 October, the initiative provides students completing their Certificate II in Information and Digital Technology with 35 hours of work placement, combining interactive seminars, workshops, and mentorship from industry experts.
Sessions are being accessed virtually from hubs across Wagga Wagga, Dubbo, Coffs Harbour and Sydney.
NSW Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education Steve Whan said the collaboration represents a proactive step toward building the state’s future digital workforce.
“This collaboration between the NSW Government and four of the country’s leading digital technology pioneers and innovators is an investment into the digital workforce of the future,” Whan said.
“With a forecasted 85,000 digital workers shortfall by 2030, we are taking a proactive approach to inspiring the next generation of tech innovators who can maximise our economy’s potential.”
He added that the program also ensures equitable access for students in rural and regional communities. “Experiences like the VET Virtual Work Placement Program are giving equitable access to students across the state, ensuring that local talent is invested in rural, regional and remote communities,” he said.
AWS Managing Director for ANZ Public Sector Louise Stigwood said AI is transforming industries and that programs like this help students build confidence in emerging technologies.
“AI is one of the most transformative technologies of our generation,” Stigwood said. “We believe this is one of the largest virtual K–12 digital skills work placement programs in New South Wales, and we’re excited to make these learning opportunities as accessible as possible.”
Accenture Australia and New Zealand CEO Peter Burns said the company’s involvement is part of a broader effort to prepare young Australians for technology-driven careers.
“Emerging technologies like AI, cloud, and automation are reshaping jobs and industries faster than ever,” Burns said. “As industry leaders, we can’t wait for the workforce we need in the future — we have to build it.”
IBM ANZ Managing Director Nick Flood said joint programs between government and industry play a key role in preparing students for the evolving workforce.
“As an industry, we must continue to inspire, educate and upskill the future workforce that will play a pivotal role in the growth of our sector,” Flood said.
CommBank Executive General Manager for Human Resources Jane Adams said digital learning access is essential for the next generation.
“Through the VET Virtual Work Placement Program, we’re proud to help students from across NSW gain hands-on experience with AI and workforce-relevant technologies,” Adams said. “This program is more than a placement — it’s a launchpad for the next generation of digital talent.”
According to the NSW Department of Education, the program builds on five years of collaboration with AWS, which has previously supported over 1,500 students.
