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1 May 2023
ACS, the professional association for Australia’s technology sector, and Deakin University today signed a Memorandum of Understanding.
The agreement will see students receive complimentary membership and access to ACS’ industry partnerships and networks for faculty members.
Dr Rod Dilnutt, ACS Victoria Branch Chair, said: “ACS and Deakin have a long-standing relationship and we’re delighted to formalise our bonds.
“Connecting ACS with Deakin’s 500 educators and students, the agreement is a great opportunity for both bodies to help address the IT community’s need for skilled, capable technology professionals over coming years.
“Our annual Digital Pulse report last year estimated Australia will need 1.2million technology professionals by 2027, and nearly 370,000 Victorians will work in the sector. For Victoria, that’s over five percent per year growth which will see local industry and government need almost 100,000 IT workers.
“ACS’ relationship with Deakin is critical to Victoria and Australia meeting the needs for skilled and qualified digital workers. We’re delighted to have signed this agreement.”
The agreement includes boosting student employability support through networking events and activities along with the opportunity for faculty to participate in shaping technology policy and inputs into industry development.
Further opportunities within the agreement lie in industry training and education, introductions to industry partners, guest lectures and think tanks. The MOU sets the immediate agenda providing a framework for collaboration.
Deakin Business School Dean Professor Amanda Pyman said Deakin was delighted and proud to be ACS’ first university partner, supporting the development of the IT professionals of the future and growing the digital workforce.
“Our agreement with ACS provides the opportunity to grow not just the academic knowledge of our students, but also provide the skills, critical industry engagement, mentoring, and holistic professional development that graduates require to make a positive impact,” Professor Pyman said.
Deakin has more than 22 courses accredited by ACS, spanning business analytics, artificial intelligence, information systems, cyber security, game design, software engineering, computer science, information technology, and data science disciplines.
All Deakin students who study an ACS-accredited course will receive ACS-sponsored student membership, with industry networking and employability workshops held on campus. Plus, ACS members will be able to access a fee discount on some Deakin affiliated courses.
“The partnership will also open up better channels to translate research developments into industry for impact, as well as increase industry input into education and research programs, a strategy at the heart of Deakin’s approach to partnership and collaboration,” Professor Pyman said.
-ENDS-
ACS, Director of Corporate Affairs and Public Policy
Tania Palich
Deakin, Senior Media Coordinator
0497 833 231
tania.palich@deakin.edu.au
About Deakin University
Established in 1974, Deakin is one of Australia’s most progressive and agile universities, leading in the innovative use of digital technologies and online learning, and blending this capability across its distinctive campus precincts in Melbourne, Geelong, and Warrnambool. Deakin has achieved a balance of high-quality research with an education experience that is consistently rated as one of the best in the country.
Deakin’s collaborations emphasise mutually beneficial partnerships and real-world impact in areas of high national priority, including health and wellbeing, smarter technologies, sustainability, advancing society and culture, and building safe and secure communities. Visit www.deakin.edu.au for more information.
ACS is the professional association for Australia’s technology sector and the largest community with 47,000+ members from across business, government and education.
ACS champions the technologies, people and skills critical to Australia’s future, creating value for ACS members, the tech sector and society in four ways:
Community
Our focus is on fostering an innovative and inclusive community that is dedicated to powering positive change through technology.
Capability
We set the standard for assessing, developing and recognising the skills and experience of technology professionals.
Career
We create career pathways to guide technology professionals and ensure Australia has a pipeline of talent with the right skills and knowledge.
Migration
We assess and support skilled technology migrants to address critical skills shortages, improve diversity and enrich Australia’s workforce.
Find out more at: acs.org.au