Challenge – Meeting Victoria’s Growing Demand for Digital Skills
Victoria’s digital economy is expanding rapidly. According to the ACS Australia’s Digital Pulse 2023 report, 33,000 digital technology workers were projected to be needed in the state by 2024. That number grew even further, with the Victorian Skills Authority forecasting a shortfall of 38,000 tech workers by 2025.
Following the impact of COVID-19, many Victorians, particularly those affected by business closures, began seeking new, future-proof career paths in the digital space.
Solution – Equipping Victorians with Industry-Recognised IT Skills
To address this demand, La Trobe University, as part of the Victorian governments Digital Jobs Program, has stepped up as a leading provider of digital training, offering short courses designed in collaboration with industry to meet current and emerging workforce needs.
By embedding Information Technology Specialist (ITS) Certification in its programs, La Trobe ensures learners graduate with both practical skills and industry-recognised credentials. This certification helps validate essential IT competencies such as software development, coding in Python, database administration, networking, security, and device management, skills that are increasingly sought after by Victorian employers.
“Industry certification has played an important role in our effort to ensure that industry relevance and readiness are embedded across our entire IT course curriculum. The certification provides our students with the added competencies that are highly valued by prospective employers.” – Syed Mahbub, Department of Computer Science and Information Technology, La Trobe University
Through a carefully designed four-stage learning pathway from Prodigy Learning, learners are supported from foundational concepts to certification readiness. Tools such as GMetrix practice tests help identify individual knowledge gaps and ensure confidence ahead of the final exam.
“The innovative program design by La Trobe University to include ITS Python industry certification is giving Victorians the best possible chance at entering the workforce with the skills that employers need today and tomorrow. Python continues to be one of the most popular programming languages globally, now in 2025 more than ever, with the increase in AI and machine learning.” – Eimer Henderson, Prodigy Learning
Creating Real Impact for Victorians
La Trobe’s commitment to practical, industry-aligned education supports mid-career professionals, often aged over 30 with 10+ years of experience across diverse industries. Many participants come from backgrounds most affected by the pandemic, including women, regional Victorians, and displaced workers.
By combining technical training, globally recognised certification, and tailored career support, including coaching, mentoring, and industry placements, La Trobe University is not only helping individuals thrive in digital careers but also contributing to the broader economic growth of Victoria.
Results – A Future-Ready Workforce
With a strong track record of learner satisfaction and successful upskilling outcomes, La Trobe University continues to build a pool of qualified, job-ready digital professionals. Through its focus on industry certification, La Trobe is playing a vital role in strengthening Victoria’s digital workforce and delivering long-term value to both individuals and the state’s economy.
