Multimedia Victoria - Ballarat Students Learning to be Hi-Tech Gurus

Ballarat Students Learning to be Hi-Tech Gurus Media release - 20 March 2008 Two final-year Ballarat students have earned a valuable career boost, winning scholarships and work experience with world leading game developers Transmission Games, leading to full-time jobs, the Minister for Information and Communication Technology, Theo Theophanous announced. Mr Theophanous said the Brumby Government was committed to delivering more diverse options for young people to pursue exciting careers in the burgeoning industry of information and communication technology. "The Brumby Government, the University of Ballarat and businesses have combined to provide these talented students with a fabulous opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the industry – as part of this tri-party scholarship program worth $22,000," Mr Theophanous said. "They are the first students to benefit from the new ties between Transmission Games and the University of Ballarat – with the game developer recently announcing a new studio soon to be opening in the very successful Ballarat Technology Park. “The Brumby Government's strong investment in ICT has seen this progressive industry drive job creation, the economy and innovation and regional Victoria is benefiting hugely from this with the creation of ICT jobs strengthening local economies statewide. "I'd like to offer my congratulations to scholarship recipients Finn Morgan and Elliott Bailey, and I wish them all the best in building successful and creative careers in the ICT industry." They are the latest of 39 students across five universities to have won scholarships and work placements through the Brumby Government's ICT Industry Skills Scholarships Program. It forms an integral part of the government’s $2.3 million package to boost ICT skills. "Responding to industry demand, our ICT Industry Skills Scholarships are designed to link study and industry-based learning, so that students graduate job-ready," Mr Theophanous said. "This Government has embraced the ICT industry, actively supporting it through several important funding and educational programs – we have a dedicated ICT Minister – and we are very keen to continue working closely with industry to further strengthen this position." The Brumby Government has been working with industry and education to deliver more information about ICT courses and carers to young people through the successful ICT: Start Here. Go Anywhere campaign which has introduced more than 3600 students to key industry speakers. Transmission Games Director Ben Palmer said the company has been very pleased to have such high calibre students on board. "It's great to be fostering the local talent we need to keep growing the local industry. Working closely with education institutes is essential to ensure quality supply of graduates ready to make exciting games," Mr Palmer said.