New grant program to equip manufacturers with digital skills

A new grant program will help Victorian manufactures develop the digital capabilities they need to maintain their competitive advantage by providing free training to employees.

Applications are now open for the $4.5 million Digital Jobs for Manufacturing program, which will help local manufacturers adapt to an increasingly digital world by providing hundreds of workers with sought after skills.

Grants of up to $5,000 per employee are available to eligible manufacturing businesses to enrol nominated employees in free 12-week training courses with Victoria’s top universities, TAFEs and training providers.

The courses run for 12 weeks online and are part-time which means employees can continue working while they study, allowing them to learn a new digital skill and apply it to their role.

Courses are available in 13 different fields including artificial intelligence, data analytics, cyber security and software development, with specialist courses in robotic process automation, computer-aided design or manufacturing and additive manufacturing to be added later.

Global manufacturing is becoming increasingly technology-driven, requiring businesses to build up their digital expertise through a highly skilled workforce.

The program builds on the $64 million Digital Jobs program that is retraining 5,000 mid-career Victorians and supporting them to transition into a digital career.

To learn more and apply, visit: Digital Jobs for Manufacturing.