Deloitte and Salesforce training program boosts digital skills diversity
In an effort to increase diversity and help close the skills gap in the tech industry, Deloitte and Salesforce have partnered to launch a new skills and training program.
Professional services firm Deloitte has teamed up with Salesforce to launch the Digital Career Compass national talent program, which aims to increase diversity within the tech industry and help address an ever-growing skills gap. The training program will in particular target women returning to the workforce, Indigenous Australians, and retired athletes, with the first intake due in March.
“In response to the growing technical skills gap in Australia we wanted to take a lead in being part of the solution,” said Claire Gillies, national lead Salesforce partner within Deloitte Digital. “We have therefore developed a unique program, in partnership with one of our key alliance partners to create a diverse development program that will give people the opportunity to learn new skills.”
Gillies added that, rather than higher education qualifications, the program’s focus would be on working with candidates who demonstrate the right aptitude and attitude. Selected participants will receive Salesforce technical and business skills training, access to Salesforce’s Trailhead Virtual Bootcamp program, and professional mentoring, career support and access to masterclasses.
At the conclusion of the twelve-week programme, participants will then be connected with employers in the Salesforce ecosystem. Those interested in applying are invited to contact specialist support and employment service organisations Fitted for Work (catering to women experiencing disadvantage), the Australian Athletes Alliance, and Indigenous-owned digital solutions provider Goanna Solutions.
“As an Aboriginal-owned and operated organisation, we are focused on closing the digital gap by offering opportunities to equip our community with skills for the future, access to employment opportunities and networks,” said Goanna Solutions CEO Lisa Sarago. “We celebrate the commitment by Deloitte, Salesforce and other organisations in the ecosystem to create a diverse workplace.”
Salesforce pointed to its commissioned research from market intelligence firm IDC Research which determined the CRM giant and its related ecosystem of partners and customers would add over 100,000 new jobs in Australia by 2026. Founded locally in 2004, the Australian arm of Salesforce now has over 1,800 employees spread across offices in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Canberra.
“There is an urgent need to increase the number of skilled professionals in the technology industry and for the industry to better represent the diversity of the Australian community,” commented Tara Ridley, Vice-President of Alliances and Channels at Salesforce ANZ. “Deloitte and the program’s not-for-profit partners will help Australians from all backgrounds enter rewarding new careers.”
