Readify combats IT skills shortage

Microsoft partner Readify has launched a two-year graduate program specifically aimed at addressing the IT skills shortage in Australia.

The program, which has been up and running since the start of this year, will see the company recruiting four university leavers - comprising of graduates and junior developers - to work in Readify’s managed services team for three months, before moving on with a mentor and working from client sites.

“Solving the IT skills shortage was not as simple as just getting more students into STEM [science, technology, engineering and mathematics] courses. Firstly, not enough people enrol in tech degrees; secondly the courses don’t deliver work-ready candidates,” Readify managing director Graeme Strange said.

“One thing Australia can’t afford to compromise on is skills. While Readify recruits candidates from around the world, we feel it is also our responsibility to invest in and grow local talent. Australians will always be strong consumers of technology but we need to encourage a new generation of ‘creators’ of technology."

As part of its strategy to increase the number of IT experts in Australia, Readify is also currently in talks with UTS and RMIT to help influence the curriculum and STEM course uptake.

“Students will get access to company-wide experts. Our people are superstars in the field: six of them are Microsoft MVPs. All of them are very passionate and love sharing new ideas," said Readify head of people, Michelle Ridsdale.

"They will revel in the opportunity to train the new generation coming through. We also see it as a reverse-mentorship programme. It’s a chance for our people to develop their leadership skills as well.”