Getting into the office early can start a student’s career

At the end of 2019, 25-year-old piano teacher Ericsson Fung knew he wanted to change. “I am passionate about IT, but I just need to step into this door.”

Mr. Feng is one of five students who benefited from the intern partnership between TAFE NSW and the fast-growing technology company ServiceNow.

“ServiceNow connects different tasks, processes, and teams in a more effective way by digitizing daily and repetitive tasks,” a ServiceNow spokesperson said. “This allows the team to focus on high-value work.”

The program is being expanded to 20 students, providing participants with the opportunity to receive training and develop professional skills in the IT department.

In this expansion, the New South Wales Government announced that it will invest A$13.5 million in its educational pathway program, which will introduce school-based apprenticeships and training to students in 139 public schools. This will enable them to start a career in the industry in high school and consider future courses after graduation.

Geoff Lee, Minister of Skills and Higher Education, said: “Through this program, encouraging the next generation to consider apprenticeships or internships will help reduce future skills shortages and create a highly employable workforce.”

Education Secretary Sarah Mitchell said: “The higher 12th grade retention rate, the increase in the number of apprentices and internships completed, and greater participation in post-school education are just some of the benefits of the program.”

After the program was piloted in 24 schools last year, it will be promoted throughout the state. Public high schools in Parramatta, Blacktown, Illawarra, New England and the Northwest, Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and Hunter Valley, Central Coast, Southern Highlands and Shoalhaven will be able to participate in the program next year.

Mr. Feng is receiving training at ServiceNow consulting company Thirdera. He combines the company’s actual work with TAFE’s theoretical study to develop his skills more effectively.