A record number of young people across the country are accessing an online work experience program to build skills and prepare for future careers in Australia’s growing tech jobs market.
The Virtual Work Experience program, designed by the Tech Council of Australia (TCA) and some of Australia’s leading technology employers, has achieved almost 10,000 completions since its launch in February 2024.
The program aims to give young Australians, including those experiencing disadvantage or increased barriers to employment, the opportunity to experience careers in tech.
TCA said tech skills are in high demand in South Australia; a significant portion (16 per cent) of students that are completing the program are from South Australia.
South Australia’s Minister for Education, Training and Skills Mr Blair Boyer saw firsthand the benefits of the program when he attended a live demonstration with students at Salisbury East High School in Adelaide on 17 March 2025.
“It’s important as a public education system that we make sure students have access to a broad cross section of career paths and opportunities – and that we do so in an engaging way that keeps young people interested,” Mr Boyer said.
“There’s never been more opportunity for young South Australians, with big projects coming online in defence, early childhood education and construction. These are all sectors in which we need highly skilled people.
“I’m really excited for Salisbury East students to experience a new way of looking at career education that will help them to focus their interests and to start planning for their future,” he said.
Salisbury East High School Principal, Ms Sue Shepherd, said the program is an invaluable opportunity for young students to get exposure to real-world work experience.
“This program is opening doors for young students who may be interested in a career in tech but not necessarily have the means to attend a physical work-experience placement outside of their hometown,” she said.
“Connecting them with industry leaders and providing them with the chance to gain foundational skills, gives students a strong start to build a career in tech, regardless of their location or any other barriers they may face.”
TCA Chief Business Officer Mr Chris O’Connell said the strong completion rates were encouraging and a good example of accessible programs that can help close Australia’s skills shortage crisis.
“It is critical we engage young Australians from all backgrounds to grow their interest in tech as we continue towards our goal of 1.2 million tech workers by 2030 and address skills shortages that are impacting Australia’s economy and productivity,” he said.
“We are committed to ensuring the tech sector is attracting young people from around the country and through this program, we aim to give students the confidence to thrive in the digital economy and empower the next generation of innovators.
“South Australia’s Department of State Development has identified the tech sector as a key growth driver now and into the future. This state has everything – it’s a key centre for defence, space and cyber security – and there is a great opportunity to leverage off this strong foundation to make South Australia our nation’s smartest state.”
The program’s online tech modules were designed in collaboration with TCA partners and members CommBank, Microsoft, NBN Co and Year13. A priority for the program is supporting a diverse range of participants, including girls and women, people with disability, people experiencing disadvantage, and people from rural and regional Australia.
The TCA is the peak body representing Australia’s tech sector. The TCA represents companies throughout their life cycle, from early and growth stage companies through to large global firms. It also represents firms in the broader tech ecosystem, including venture capitalists, advisers and tech-enabled businesses outside the tech sector.
