The Victorian Government is expanding its support for manufacturing and construction workers by opening applications for 1,000 free training places in digital skills courses as part of its $4.25 million Digital Jobs program.
Minister for Economic Growth and Jobs Danny Pearson announced the initiative during a visit to iBuild Building Solutions in Heidelberg West, highlighting the program’s role in equipping workers with the expertise needed in advanced manufacturing and construction.
“This program is ensuring Victoria’s workforce has the critical digital skills we need in key sectors like construction and advanced manufacturing now and into the future – supporting workers and businesses to keep pace with a rapidly evolving digital landscape,” Pearson said.
The Digital Jobs program, first launched in 2021, has already supported more than 5,500 Victorians into digital careers and upskilled more than 500 workers in the manufacturing sector.
The Victorian Government said the newly extended program builds on that success and will run over the next two years.
Courses endorsed by industry will cover a wide range of skills, including computer-aided manufacturing, modern methods of construction, artificial intelligence, data analytics and digital marketing.
According to the government, the initiative forms part of its Economic Growth Statement, which outlines more than 40 measures aimed at delivering a stronger and more sustainable economy for Victoria.
Anthony Carbines, member for Ivanhoe, said the program has already shown its value to local workers and businesses.
“Businesses and workers in Heidelberg know first-hand the benefits of this program, it helps workers build the skills they need for high-skilled jobs in the local community,” he said.
At iBuild, six staff completed training in 2023 under the program, helping the company expand its digital capabilities across design, production and manufacturing. CEO Jackson Yin said the program had delivered tangible benefits for the business.
“The change for our business has been phenomenal; our higher capabilities have boosted our capacity, allowing us to produce structural components for much needed housing with the push of a button,” Yin said.
The Victorian Government said it sees investment in digital skills as critical not only for the workforce but also for positioning the state as a hub for data centres and digital innovation.
Major global companies including NEXTDC, Amazon Web Services, Microsoft and Equinix have already established operations in Victoria, citing factors such as energy competitiveness, skilled labour, and a strong culture of innovation.
Applications for the Digital Jobs program are now open, with details available through business.vic.gov.au.
