NSW students will be able to combine university study with hands-on vocational training through a new digital technology institute being piloted by Microsoft and major higher education providers.
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The state's first Institute of Applied Technology for Digital Technology, due to open its doors in August, will initially focus on training students in the disciplines of big data, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence.
Students will be able to gain credentials at all academic levels of study - including a certificate, a diploma or bachelor's degree - at the IAT, which will form part of the $154 million Meadowbank Education Precinct and will be run in partnership with the University of Technology Sydney, Macquarie University and TAFE NSW.
Premier Dominic Perrottet says the new facility will give, NSW students the best vocational training, supported by industry leaders and world-leading universities.
"To have a global technology leader like Microsoft as the foundational industry partner for the Institute of Applied Technology for Digital Technology is a no-brainer," he said.
"This innovative partnership will see students merge the knowledge gained through university study with the hands-on technical skills acquired through vocational education, all in the one model."
Managing Director of Microsoft Australia and New Zealand Steven Worrall said the company is excited to nurture the next generation of homegrown talent.
"The speed at which technology evolves requires an agile approach to education - one that arms students with real-world skills that meet current workforce needs while futureproofing our nation's technology capabilities.
"We are proud to ... build a new educational model and student experience that is by nature flexible, scalable, accessible, and promotes greater diversity of thought across the industry."
Australian Associated Press
