A patisserie chef has circuited his way to being an IT whiz for Microsoft Australia thanks to a training partnership between TAFE NSW and MEGT.

Liverpool local, Geoffrey Frost, is one of only five trainees in the state to land a coveted position in the Microsoft Australia’s digital sales team as part of their Microsoft Traineeship Program.

The trainee program is delivered in partnership with TAFE NSW, MEGT and Prodigy Learning to combine on-the-job practical experience at host companies such as DXC, KPMG, Datacomm and Veritec, with formal training from TAFE NSW where students complete a Certificate IV in Information Technology.

Geoffrey previously worked on yachts all over Asia as a patisserie chef but decided to pursue his passion as a professional gamer by enrolling in a Certificate III in IT Network Administration. It was during the course that Geoffrey’s TAFE NSW teachers recommended the traineeship to him.

“The amount of resources and knowledge I’ve received through the traineeship is outstanding. In the first few months of working at Microsoft, I was confident in the work I was doing because I had learnt and applied it all during my TAFE NSW course,” he said.

“Having access to mentors in the industry as well as my TAFE NSW teachers has meant that I’ve had a great training support network around me.”

MEGT Program Lead, Beth Worrall, said: “Working with TAFE NSW and our network of technology partners, we have launched the Microsoft Traineeship Program to support smart, passionate people like Geoffrey to kick start their career in IT through vocational education.”

“Ongoing opportunities are available for prospective trainees and employers in Sydney so we’d love to hear from anyone who is interested in our innovative program,” Ms Worrall said.

Deloitte research forecasts continued growth of the ICT industry to more than 758,700 workers by 2023. The spread of ICT workers is evident, with an estimated 51 per cent employed outside of ICT specific industries.

Geoffrey said the most valuable part of the traineeship has been the various Aboriginal networking events he has attended, which have helped him understand projects the IT industry invests in and the way the industry creates change to help conserve the recording and sharing of Indigenous art and culture.

“This experience has allowed me to blend my skills and knowledge in IT with my passion for working on Indigenous projects.

“As an Aboriginal person, I’ve been able to create real impact and see the way in which Microsoft and other IT companies have used technology to collaborate and create change in Australia,” he said.

TAFE NSW Information Technology Team Leader, Gihan Ebaid, said Geoffrey was a great example of how TAFE NSW can change peoples’ careers.

“Whether people want to apply for a promotion, change careers, or excel in the IT industry, TAFE NSW courses equip them with the skill-sets they need to get ahead,” she said.

To find out more or enrol in a construction trade course at TAFE NSW, visit www.tafensw.edu.au, or call 131 601.

Media contact: Jessica Cortis, Media and Communications Business Partner, 0456 170 211.