Computing students at The Australian National University will getscholarships of between $12,000 and $15,000 to combine relevant workexperience and study in a unique new program designed to help addressthe ICT skills shortage facing the ACT and surrounding regions.

The ANU College of Engineering and Computer Science (CECS) and theAustralian Computer Society Foundation (ACSF) signed an agreement on 13 October to provide scholarships for ANU students who will spend two days a week in local businesses while completing their degree.

ANU Vice-Chancellor Professor Ian Chubb, who is also Chair of the ACTSkills Commission, launched the program with John Debrincat, Chair of the ACS Foundation.

"Everyone's a winner with this work placement program," Professor Chubbsaid. "Students get the chance to enhance their skills in a realworkplace doing tasks relevant to their academic studies. They'll beready for the workforce when they graduate, with excellent contacts inthe local ICT industry."

"Employers will have access to the very bright and motivated studentsthat ANU attracts, and develop relationships with students who may verywell be future employees."

"For Canberra and its surrounding regions, linking students to employersbefore they graduate will maximize the chance that ICT graduates seethey have excellent career prospects here, and choose to stay in thecapital."

Professor Chubb said the program would be particularly attractive tostudents from rural and regional areas, going some way to offsetting thecosts they face in moving to Canberra for university.

From 2007 the College will cluster classes for 3rd year students intothree days of the week, leaving two consecutive days for placements. Theprogram will be extended to 2nd year students in 2008.

Mr Debrincat said the ACSF had secured a number of industry partners tocontribute the scholarship fund.

"We envisage providing up to 50 places in the program by the end of 2007and 150 by the end of 2009."

"The ACS Foundation has raised over $8 million and awarded over 550scholarships since it was launched and is providing a very valuableservice to the ICT industry, and in fact all industries considering thepervasive and vital nature of ICT these days."

"Our experience providing similar Work Integrated Learning scholarshipshas proven the considerable benefits to both the students, the donorsand the industry. Students who participate in these programs are highlysort after by potential employers, as they graduate "work ready" and donot require the 3 to 6 months "on the job training" that many graduatesrequire", he said.

"One local ACT business, Wizard Technology, has already committed to 10such scholarships, and there are many more to come".

Photos:

• Professor Chubb and Mr Debrincat

• CECS and ACSF people

For more information contact:

Student.Services@feit.anu.edu.au
Ph: 02 61250677

Bonus Points

Up to five UAI points may be awarded to students who have studied advanced maths and/or can demonstrate a keen interest and ability in Information Technology.

To find out more information, email: it@anu.edu.au

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