TAFE NSW is training the future generation of tech workers to meet growing demand in the sector, as one Panania man turns his passion for software development into a successful career.

It comes as NSW's IT sector workforce is forecast to grow 4.8% per annum over the next five years.

23-year-old John Dieckmann completed a Diploma of Information Technology (Advanced Programming) at TAFE NSW Petersham after high school and now works as a Front-End Developer at Q-CTRL.

“Software development has been my soft-spot and ever since I was tiny, I’ve known I wanted to pursue a career in the industry – whether it be games, software, or mobile apps development,” Mr Dieckmann said.

“There definitely isn’t one pathway to success after high school. What started out as a hobby – including video game ‘modding’ and web development in my spare time – has now become a career. I’d strongly encourage others to take the plunge, follow their passion, and further their skills.

“The TAFE NSW course helped align what I knew prior with the current industry knowledge and standards. It also kitted me with the skills I needed to land a job and work effectively within a team environment.

“I’m looking forward to continuing to progress my career and one day potentially venturing into a deeper field like native mobile front-end development or cyber security.” Chief Technology Officer at Q-CTRL, Robert Love said.

“John has been a great addition to our team, contributing his skills in front-end development to help us make quantum technology useful.”

"It's exciting that he is contributing to our work building Black Opal - an edtech tool to help anyone learn quantum computing. John's employment and contributions to our team provide a great indication of how important TAFE-led training is even to the most cutting-edge disciplines," Mr Love said.

TAFE NSW Head Teacher of Information Technology Bala Subra said John was a perfect example of how hands on education and training can open up rewarding career pathways.

“TAFE NSW offers a variety of tech courses to hone and develop students’ skills in the ever-growing IT industry. Technical skills like programming, artificial intelligence, machine learning, cyber security, and animation are increasingly in high demand,” Mr Subra said.

“Whether a student is delving into the world of IT for the first time, or building upon their existing knowledge like John, our IT courses provide students with access to personalised support and hands-on training so they can hit the ground running once they graduate.

“It’s great to see students like John reaching their study and career goals.

When it comes to a career in IT, the opportunities are endless, and no two days are the same.”

Media contact: Emma Hughes, Communications Specialist, 0409 618 291, emma.hughes51@tafensw.edu.au