More than 500 students from 134 schools across New South Wales are stepping into the future this week, completing a statewide virtual work placement focused on artificial intelligence (AI) with Amazon Web Services (AWS) and leading industry partners.
The 2025 Vocational Education and Training (VET) Virtual Work Placement Program is an initiative of the NSW Department of Education in partnership with AWS, CommBank, IBM ANZ and Accenture — four members of the NSW Digital Skills and Workforce Compact. Together, they’re tackling the challenge of a projected shortfall of 85,000 digital workers by 2030.
Students studying for their Certificate II in Information and Digital Technology are taking part in online seminars, group projects and interactive workshops covering topics such as AI in cybersecurity, responsible use, and storytelling. The program allows learners from across regional and metropolitan NSW to connect virtually from hubs in Wagga Wagga, Dubbo, Coffs Harbour and Sydney.
Over the week, students will complete the 35-hour work placement required for their qualification while gaining practical skills and insights from real-world mentors in the tech industry.
Now in its fifth year, the program has already seen more than 1,500 students graduate through earlier collaborations between AWS and the NSW Department of Education. This year’s expansion brings new partners and fresh opportunities for young people to explore careers in the digital economy.
Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education, Steve Whan, praised the initiative as an important step toward building a stronger, more inclusive workforce for the future.
“This collaboration between the NSW Government and four of the country’s leading digital technology pioneers is an investment in the digital workforce of the future,” Minister Whan said.
“We’re taking a proactive approach to inspire the next generation of innovators — especially in regional and remote communities.”
AWS Managing Director for ANZ Public Sector, Louise Stigwood, said programs like this were helping make technology more accessible to young Australians everywhere.
“AI is one of the most transformative technologies of our generation,” she said. “If Australia is going to unlock its full potential, we need to ensure students are inspired about future careers in technology and the opportunities AI can bring.”
As more than half of Australian businesses now use AI in some form, these students are gaining early experience in one of the fastest-growing fields in the world.
From Dubbo to Coffs Harbour, this week’s virtual classrooms are connecting bright minds across the state — preparing a new generation of tech-savvy Australians to help shape the workforce of tomorrow.
