For VU Polytechnic IT student Meena Selvaraj, completing her Certificate IV in Information Technology gave her the skills and confidence to land a job in her dream industry at Global Vision Media, a leading e-learning company based in Melbourne, Australia.
Originally from India, Meena previously worked as a web developer before moving to Australia in 2015. Looking to pursue her passion for IT, Meena choose VU Polytechnic because of its reputation for delivering high-quality education. The Polytechnic’s award-winning blended learning model was a stand-out to Meena.
“My couse delivery was fantastic and easily understandable. The blended learning method gave access to webinars available for missed classes. My teachers were helpful and knowledgeable, providing attention to individual students. I gained a lot of practical knowledge and hands-on training.”
During her training Meena developed a broad range of skills that gave her the confidence to succeed in her interview.
“I gained a lot of knowledge about networking and Linux operating systems which helped me to confidently face the interview in Australia. This course helped me to learn new things about graphic design and also had a web development unit to help me regain my skills to work as a web developer.”
The future is looking bright for Meena, who is planning to study a Bachelor of IT to further enhance her skills and knowledge. Passionate about promoting IT as a career option for women, Meena says “empowerment of women is very important in any field. I believe more women need to join the IT Industry and play a major role in the growth of IT in Australia.”
Women currently represent just 28 percent of IT workers in Australia compared to 45 percent across all professional Industries. According to recent data from Deloitte, the number of IT professionals in Australia has risen to a record 663,100 in 2017, up from 640,846 in 2016. This figure is forecast to swell to 721,886 by 2022 , with a particular need for talent in the cyber security area.
VU Polytechnic currently offers the Certificate IV in Cyber Security.
In partnership with Cisco, a brand new Cyber Security Operation Centre is set to open at the St Albans campus in September 2019. Also in development is the Sunshine Skills Hub, an innovation space that will act as a future skill accelerator, providing individuals in the West of Melbourne an iconic place to come and learn new technology skills that will enhance their employment opportunities.
Note: As of 2021, the blended learning model is now known as the interactive e-learning model.