With digital disruption having an impact across all sectors of the economy, IT workers like TAFE NSW student and Microsoft Trainee, Isabella-Rose Lowe-Flegg are in high demand.[1]

After finishing high school Ms Lowe-Flegg was not sure what she wanted to do as a career. “I grew up watching my brother play video games, build computers and mess around with all the fun tech stuff. At the time I had no comprehension of what he was doing, so it really sparked my interest in the latest gadgets and what was happening in the tech world.”

“When I finished school, like many I was a little bit lost, but knowing I was interested in computers and technology I decided to enrol in a Certificate III in Information, Digital Media and Technology at TAFE NSW Campbelltown.”

Within 6 months, Ms Lowe-Flegg had successfully completed her course and was accepted into the Microsoft Traineeship Program, which is designed to support budding IT professionals take the first step in their career. Throughout the two-year traineeship, successful candidates such as Isabella will receive paid, hands-on work experience, a Certificate IV in Information Technology from TAFE NSW, and some of the latest cloud computing Microsoft certifications as part of the Azure Administrator Certification Track.  

Microsoft National Skills Program Lead, Beth Worrall said, “Working with TAFE NSW and our network of technology partners, we have launched the Microsoft Traineeship to support smart, passionate people like Isabella 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.”

Currently employed as a Technical Services Associate trainee in Azure and Microsoft 365 at SoftwareONE, the leading global platform, solution and services organisation, Ms Lowe-Flegg is utilising the skills she harnessed at TAFE NSW to really thrive in the industry.

“One of my favourite things about TAFE NSW was the convenience and mobility of learning. I really learnt the practical skills I needed to get my foot in the door. I also completed a number of their short courses to develop my skills in Fibre Optic Cabling as well as CyberSecurity, which have helped throughout my traineeship.”

TAFE NSW Team Leader of Information Technology, Craig Gibbons said, “Recent research released by the Grattan Institute indicated that in most cases a VET qualification will lead directly to work in a relevant field.[2]

“Studying a VET qualification allows students, like Isabella to learn the hands-on skills required to work in the IT industry, alongside the theory, which really helps them to succeed in the workforce.”

Enjoying every minute of her traineeship, Ms Lowe-Flegg said, “Since starting my traineeship I have been provided with some amazing opportunities including travelling to Bangalore and Chennai in India to learn more about the SoftwareONE business, and attending the Microsoft Azure Training Day which enabled me to get a more thorough and indepth perspective of the cloud platform.”

Set to complete her traineeship and Certificate IV in Information Technology in 2021, Ms Lowe-Flegg can’t wait to see where the industry will take her.

“In January, I wouldn’t have believed at all that I would be where I am now and without the help from my TAFE NSW teachers and Microsoft I wouldn’t be here.”

To find out more about studying Information Technology at TAFE NSW visit www.tafensw.edu.au or call 131 601. To find out more about the Microsoft Traineeship Program, visit www.microsoft.com.au/traineeship-program

Media contact: Emma Cawley, TAFE NSW Media and Communications Business Partner, mobile 0412 478 415.