On 18 April 2024, Swinburne University of Technology celebrated 19 women who graduated with a Diploma in Applied Technologies.
The women, employed at Amazon Web Services (AWS), completed their diplomas under the department’s Women in STEM Cadetships and Advanced Apprenticeships Program.
The $25.1 million program supports women currently employed to study part-time for a STEM qualification. It provides a great opportunity for women to upskill in STEM fields or build STEM careers.
STEM skills are crucial to the success of Australia’s changing economy. Building an inclusive and diverse STEM workforce ensures we can take full advantage of the jobs of the future. Encouraging women and girls to consider a career in STEM is one of the ways we can build a skilled workforce.
Graduating students said:
The Women in STEM Cadetships and Advanced Apprenticeships Program has been an exceptional initiative that has provided me the opportunity to pursue a career working with Cloud Technologies. Through the program at Swinburne, I have gained hands-on experience with cloud computing and various other subjects such as databases, coding and data analysis. The ability to learn all of these things while also earning a wage has made this program accessible to me and allowed for me to completely change my career trajectory. I feel very lucky to have been involved and can only see the program getting better from here.” – Katie
The Women in STEM Cadetships and Advanced Apprenticeships Program delivered by Swinburne University and AWS has allowed me to get my first IT job after having a big career gap and a career transition. I am deeply fortunate to be part of such an extraordinary program delivered by excellent professionals and teachers. Being part of an underrepresented cohort in the IT industry makes me feel proud and encourages me to accomplish my goal, which is to become an extraordinary IT professional. I wish more women could have access to this amazing opportunity and contribute to making the IT industry a more diverse and inclusive sector.” - Pamela
The partnership between AWS and Swinburne has resulted in an amazing educational program that directly promotes diversity in the tech industry. It has been wonderful to be part of a Women in STEM program dedicated to developing my foundational technical knowledge and skills. As a result, I now have the tools, support and confidence I need to succeed.” - Sarah
Swinburne University of Technology is one of a number of universities offering courses under the program and there are still places available.
If you are interested in participating in the program, talk to your employer and contact the university directly. A list of approved courses and university contact details are available at Women in STEM and Advanced Apprenticeships Program.