The Allan Labor Government has announced a major expansion of its Digital Jobs program, with $4.25 million to fund 1,000 free training places over the next two years. The program is designed to give Victorian workers access to the latest digital skills in construction and advanced manufacturing, helping businesses and employees prepare for jobs of the future.
Minister for Economic Growth and Jobs Danny Pearson visited iBuild Building Solutions in Heidelberg West to launch the next phase of the program, describing it as vital to ensuring the workforce keeps pace with rapidly changing technology.
“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,” Mr Pearson said.
The Digital Jobs program, first launched in 2021, is one of more than 40 initiatives in the Government’s Economic Growth Statement. Training courses will cover areas such as computer-aided manufacturing, digital marketing, artificial intelligence, data analytics and modern methods of construction.
So far the initiative has helped more than 5,500 Victorians transition into digital careers, while more than 500 manufacturing workers have already gained new skills through the scheme. iBuild, an award-winning kit home business, was among the companies to benefit, upskilling six staff in 2023 to strengthen its production, design and manufacturing capacity.
CEO Jackson Yin said the program had delivered a major transformation 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,” he said.
Member for Ivanhoe Anthony Carbines said local workers and employers had already seen the program’s value. “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.
The Government has positioned Victoria as a growing hub for data centres and digital infrastructure, with companies such as NEXTDC, AirTrunk, Amazon Web Services, CDC, Stack Infrastructure, Microsoft and Equinix investing heavily in the state. Ministers argue that competitive energy prices, available land, a skilled workforce, strong research links and a culture of innovation are driving the sector’s growth.
The program’s supporters say the focus on construction and advanced manufacturing will give workers practical pathways into industries critical for Victoria’s economy. Training places are now open for applications at business.vic.gov.au.
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