A unique partnership between TAFE NSW and Microsoft has allowed an Eastern Sydney local to skill up for a career in information technology at one of the world’s leading tech companies. 

Taylor-Maree Raffoul, 18, is a trainee working with Microsoft’s host company 365 Mechanix to develop apps for businesses while she completes a Certificate IV in Information Technology. The trainee program is delivered in partnership with TAFE NSW and Microsoft, through Group Training Organisation MEGT, and combines on-the-job practical experience with formal training from TAFE NSW. 

It’s an important time to be studying IT, with software and application programming jobs the third fastest growing in the country last year[1] and a report by Deloitte finding that women comprise less than 20 per cent of the Australian ICT workforce.[2] 

 Taylor said her favourite aspect of the TAFE NSW course was learning hands-on, practical skills such as coding that she applies daily in her work environment. 

  “With the pandemic forcing so many businesses into the digital space there is great opportunity in the IT industry to help businesses move online, which is becoming more and more essential,” Taylor said. 

  “I’ve really enjoyed putting the skills I’ve learnt in my course into practice and helping businesses create solutions to their problems through technology.” 

Founder of 365 Mechanix, Bruce Sithole, said Taylor’s ability to quickly learn the Microsoft Power Platform was impressive. 

“Not only has Taylor been learning the technology quickly, she has shown promising consulting skills by working with some of our customers to solve their business issues with technology,” Mr Sithole said. 

“I look forward to watching her grow within our organisation and become a key member of our business.”  

TAFE NSW Head Teacher in Information Communications Technology, Phillip Lennon, said training partnerships such as the one between Microsoft and TAFE NSW are a win-win for students and employers, and delivers the skilled workforce the IT industry needs.  

“Programs give employers the opportunity to see the skills and abilities TAFE NSW students can bring to a workplace. High-quality training combined practical experience allows our students to hit the ground running from day one of the job.” 

The Information and Communication Technology courses are continuing in Term 2 via connected and online learning using web conferencing technology. This type of connected learning supports social distancing, while enabling students to progress their studies. 

To find out more about the range of Information Technology courses at TAFE NSW, visit www.tafensw.edu.au, or call 131 601. 

Media Contact: Jessica Cortis, TAFE NSW Media and Communications Business Partner, 0456 270 211