With employment opportunities in the Information technology (IT) and business services industry expected to grow by 3.6% over the next three years,i Optus Business Centre Central West is benefiting from TAFE NSW graduates who know how to push the right buttons to support a growing industry.

Optus Business Centre Director, Adam Sawtell, said that versatile TAFE NSW graduates like Orange’s Clint Grevink and Matt Bryant are highly sought after in the industry, as they come to us equipped with hands-on practical skills ready to hit the ground running.

“The diversity and emergence of new roles in the IT sector means that with the right qualifications, IT specialists and administration professionals could have a multitude of different careers in the one field.

“So far, both Clint and Matt have been able to branch out into different parts of the business and assist areas that are experiencing a shortage of skilled workers.”

Clint studied a Certificate I, II and III in Information Technology at TAFE NSW Orange and is part-way through a Certificate IV in Web Design while working as a field technician and account manager at Optus Business Centre.

“I’ve always had an interest in the IT industry as my family also work in the industry, so studying at TAFE NSW helped me get qualified and learn the practical skills I needed for a successful career doing what I love.

“I have learnt practical skills and knowledge that I use every day in my role to help tailor solutions for local businesses, such as trouble shooting and problem solving, critical thinking and advanced networking.

“The IT industry is constantly evolving, and TAFE NSW offers a range of IT courses that enable you to get the practical skills and experience to keep up with emerging technology and industry trends.”

For Matt, being visually impaired has brought its own set of challenges, but that hasn’t stopped him from getting the job-ready skills at TAFE NSW to work in an industry that he enjoys.

“Because I’m blind, I chose to learn more about working with computers and programs as I knew that this was a field that would suit me. I can’t speak highly enough of TAFE NSW and its ability to customise the training to meet my needs by providing one-on-one teaching and the flexibility of being able to learn over an extended period.

“I’ve learnt a range of practical skills and I’m now confident in using Excel spreadsheets and Microsoft Office programs through screen reading software. I use these skills every day in my role at the Optus Business Centre and have now moved into a sales role with the business.”

TAFE NSW has a range of information technology and business courses available for semester two enrolment. Visit www.tafensw.edu.au or phone 131 601 for more information.

Media contact: Emma Curtis, TAFE NSW Media and Communications Business Partner, (02) 6338 2509, mobile 0427 901 515.

i. TAFE NSW Strategy Report. Central West and New England region.