Queensland provider offers bridging course

AUSTRALIA – Brisbane North Institute of TAFE (BNIT) will be the first education provider in Queensland to offer international students seeking permanent residency in Australia a bridging course to gain the necessary skills to establish a career in technology in Australia.

The Information, Communication and Technology Professional Year programme, developed in partnership with Australian Internships and the Australian Computer Society, will be launched at the Ithaca campus in September in response to the growing demand for technology qualifications.

With one in four international students at BNIT looking to commence a career in technology, the course has been designed as a job readiness program to equip international students who have graduated from an Australian university and hold a Skilled Graduate Visa or Bridging A Visa residency, with the professional skills needed for a successful career in the Australian workforce.

BNIT programme co-ordinator Jenny Salonen said the 44 week programme is calling for enrolments now and will provide participants with the skills required to gain employment in the ICT industry in Australia.

“There are six programme components including an opening and closing boot camp, Australian workplace culture and business and professional communications workshops, on-line training and networking events and a 16 week professional internship.

“In addition, students who successfully complete the programme will be awarded 10 points under the General Skills Migration points test. This is the only ICT Professional Year Programme to offer points towards permanent residency,” said Ms Salonen.

The Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) recently introduced the programme as a pathway from university to employment and BNIT is the first training provider in Queensland to offer the ICT Professional Year to students.