Time is running out for employers in South Australia to sign up for a groundbreaking initiative that will give them early access to talented software engineers.
The pilot degree-level apprenticeship program, powered by Ai Group, industry and the University of South Australia, will provide businesses with the opportunity to employ ambitious apprentices completing university degrees at the same time.
Participating businesses also gain access to a more diverse group of future graduates and will help shape the development and job readiness of selected apprentices.
BAE Systems, Consunet and ASC (formerly the Australian Submarine Corporation) have already joined the five-year program, seizing the opportunity to create a pipeline of talent for their businesses.
“South Australia is facing a shortage of software engineers, and this is expected to surge as the state continues its development in the defence-related manufacturing sector,” Ai Group Centre for Education and Training Executive Director Megan Lilly said.
“Some of the companies taking part in the degree-level apprenticeship program operate in this sector, making it a golden opportunity for both candidates and employers.”
Participating apprentices will work and study full-time. It is envisaged up to 30 per cent of the work week will be dedicated to attending university to gain an accredited Bachelor of Software Engineering degree.
They will earn the same qualification as if they had enrolled in university full-time, yet they will benefit from five years of hands-on work experience.
Ai Group Apprentice and Trainee Centre is recruiting both applicants and businesses to join the program.
Apprentices can register their interest here.
Employers can register their interest here.
Click here for more information on other degree-level apprenticeships.
Wendy Larter is Communications Manager at the Australian Industry Group. She has more than 20 years’ experience as a reporter, features writer, contributor and sub-editor for newspapers and magazines including The Courier-Mail in Brisbane and Metro, the News of the World, The Times and Elle in the UK.
