Swinburne joins with Microsoft to strengthen student employability

Swinburne University of Technology is joining with Microsoft Corp. in a partnership to pilot an employability skills program to empower its students and foster job-ready, employable talent in high-demand technical roles.

Swinburne is part of a select group of universities globally involved in Microsoft’s program. The initiative seeks to address projected workforce shortages in AI, cybersecurity, data science and computer science as the world of work rapidly changes due to the evolution of new technologies and staffing models as the gig economy continues to grow and expand across industries. 

Through participation in the pilot, Swinburne will contribute to the development of Microsoft’s online employability platform that enables students to discover potential skills and career paths that match their interests and aptitude, as well as supports them in acquiring 21^st-century skills to help in their journey towards sustained employability.

Swinburne is committed to skilling all its students for 21^st century employability and building talent pools that drive growth and innovation. Participating in the pilot will help prepare students to navigate their careers in the tech-centric, 21^st century economy. 

“The world of work in the future will look very different from today. With growing global shortages of experts in digital technologies, new ways to meet upcoming workforce needs are required,” says Professor Duncan Bentley, Swinburne Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic).

“Graduates need new skill sets to participate in future work, and individuals need to retrain, upskill and maintain skills through a process of lifelong learning that is adaptable and responds to industry needs. Skills shortages have negative impacts on businesses and the students of today will do jobs that don’t yet exist.”

Professor Bentley says graduates need to be prepared for the future of work and lifelong learning.

“By fostering industry connections and embedding industry experience in students’ study, Swinburne is uniquely placed to contribute to workforce transformation and ensure that students are prepared to fulfil their professional purpose. Working with Microsoft will further enhance our students’ capabilities,” says Professor Bentley. 

“At Microsoft, we want to empower everyone to achieve their career aspirations and make sure they can succeed in a technology-driven society,” says Karen Kocher, Global General Manager, 21st Century Jobs, Skills and Employability for Microsoft.

“We aim to move people and technology forward together. We are proud to work with Swinburne University of Technology as the university provides extensive industry engagement and technological innovation in Australia.”

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