The inaugural class of the Australian Computer Society Diploma of Information Technology has graduated from ECA College.
The ACS last year partnered with Education Centre Australia to run a 52-week diploma program that develops IT and business skills, and gives graduates an opportunity to kickstart a career in IT with a nationally recognised qualification. It is currently only available to international students.
ACS Director of Education Allyn Radford spoke at the graduation on Monday about the changing IT landscape the students are now entering.
“I am speaking to you as the new and young blood in an exciting industry. We must all become more digital, more fluent, and more masterful in our understanding and use of technology,” he said.
“My generation is passing the baton to your generation, and in doing so, we also challenge you to think differently about the future.”
As well as the opportunity for industry placement, the Diploma of IT also serves as a pathway for further studies into a Bachelor’s degree.
Graduate Chandra Bhasima began the Diploma of Information Technology with no prior formal education in IT.
“I enrolled in the course to get a start in IT,” he said. “I am now looking to go into coding and I’m excited to do that because of what I learned in the course.”
With this goal in mind, he has already begun his Bachelor of Information Systems at Asia Pacific International College, in which he was given credit recognition following the completion of his ACS Diploma of IT at ECA.
As part of the program, students were also given membership to the ACS, including access to the digital professional development library to assist in their learning.
There are currently three intakes for the course each year. The next cohort is set to graduate in July.
