More than 500 students from 134 schools across New South Wales have signed up to complete a week of work placement with Amazon Web Services (AWS) and industry partners on artificial intelligence (AI).
Students are taking part in a virtual work placement program that is overcoming the challenges of learning across distance to inspire the digital workforce of the future.
The 2025 Vocational Education and Training (VET) Virtual Work Placement Program is an initiative between the NSW Department of Education and four members of the NSW Digital Skills and Workforce Compact, AWS, CommBank, IBM ANZ and Accenture.
The organisations are working together to address the projected digital skills shortage, which is forecasted to be 85,000 digital workers by 2030.
With AI adoption in Australia accelerating at an unprecedented rate, the VET Virtual Work Placement Program aims to inspire students to pursue a career in AI through interactive seminars, hands-on workshops and collaborative group work under the guidance of industry mentors.
Research from AWS' Unlocking Australia's AI Potential 2025 report indicates that AI is becoming increasingly mainstream across businesses' operations, with over half of Australian businesses now using it in some form.
From 27-31 October, students will learn about AI applications in cybersecurity, problem-solving, responsible use and storytelling, accessed via virtual workshops from hubs across Wagga Wagga, Dubbo, Coffs Harbour and Sydney.
Students will also gain industry insight and explore digital careers as they immerse themselves in an authentic, online corporate environment.
The learners are studying their Certificate II in Information and Digital Technology and will be completing their 35-hour work placement requirement for their qualification.
The program builds on five years of success between the NSW Department of Education and AWS, which has seen over 1,500 students graduate from the program.
This year, the program has expanded to include three other technology partners to provide a broader work placement program for students.
Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education Steve Whan had the opportunity to speak with learners participating in the Virtual Work Placement Program today.
Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education Steve Whan said:
"This collaboration between the NSW Government and four of the country's leading digital technology pioneers and innovators is an investment into the digital workforce of the future.
"With a forecasted 85,000 digital workers shortfall by 2030, we are taking a proactive approach to inspiring the next generation of tech innovators who can maximise our economy's potential.
"Experiences like the VET Virtual Work Placement Program are giving equitable access to students across the state, ensuring that local talent is invested in rural, regional and remote communities.
"I was delighted to see the students' curiosity and passion for AI and am eager to see how they will shape the digital landscape."
Amazon Web Services, Managing Director of ANZ Public Sector, Louise Stigwood, said:
"AI is one of the most transformative technologies of our generation.
"If Australia is going to unlock the full potential of cloud and AI, we need to ensure students are inspired about future careers in technology and the exciting opportunities that AI and cloud can bring to transform industry and business.
"We believe this is one of the largest virtual K-12 digital skills work placement programs in New South Wales, and we're excited to be involved in making these learning opportunities as accessible as possible to students to promote technology literacy, confidence, and trust in technology."
Accenture Australia and NZ CEO, Peter Burns, said:
"Emerging technologies like AI, cloud, and automation are reshaping jobs and industries faster than ever and accelerating the need for more digital skilling programs.
"Accenture is thrilled to join this important initiative to provide students across the state with hands-on learning opportunities and insights from our team of technology experts, which we hope will inspire them to build the skills and mindsets needed to thrive in a Gen AI-enabled future.
"As industry leaders, we can't wait for the workforce we need in the future, we have to build it."
IBM ANZ, Managing Director, Nick Flood, said:
"As an industry, we must continue to inspire, educate and upskill the future workforce that will play a pivotal role in the growth of our sector.
"IBM is proud that our AI experts will contribute to this program by providing hands-on learning opportunities to help inspire and educate the next generation of Australian technology professionals.
"Initiatives like this, which bring together government and the tech sector, are critical to ensuring we equip the next generation with the skills needed to be the digital workforce of the future."
CommBank, Executive General Manager, Human Resources, Jane Adams, said:
"At CommBank, we believe that equitable access to digital learning helps young Australians gain the skills they need for the future.
"Through the VET Virtual Work Placement Program, we're proud to help students from across NSW gain hands-on experience with AI and workforce relevant technologies, while connecting with mentors who reflect the diversity and innovation of Australia's tech sector.
"This program is more than a placement – it's a launchpad for the next generation of digital talent."
