First Nations Digital Careers Program

About the program

The Queensland Government and Microsoft have partnered to deliver the First Nations Digital Careers Program. The program is aimed at First Nations people of all age groups who are interested in kickstarting or transitioning to a digital career.

The program offers up to 100 placements per year across Queensland. First Nations people with varying levels of digital skills and experience can apply for the program. Participants can study a range of courses and be placed into jobs either within Queensland Government, Microsoft, or one of their partner employers. The program has been developed to meet the needs of First Nations people.

What the program offers

Successful applicants receive:

• a paid job in the digital field with flexible work and leave arrangements
• salaries that are above award wages
• a 4-week pre-skilling pathway program to learn the skills needed to move into the workplace
• an opportunity to work with leading employers both within Government and the private sector
• a Certificate III or IV in Information Technology (IT) upon completion of their studies
• on-the-job training, experience and learning
• mentoring, assistance and pastoral care
• continued job opportunities at the end of their traineeship.

Cultural safety will be at the core of the program, with trainees placed into jobs with culturally safe employers.

Why choose a career in digital

There is a shortage of digital skills across both government and business. The digital industry is experiencing huge growth globally—it is now the fastest growing job market in the world.

The Queensland digital industry needs 10,000 additional professionals by 2024, and the Australian digital industry needs 250,000 additional digital professionals.

See more reasons to choose a digital career.

How can I apply for the next intake?

Applications for the programs next intake in January 2024 are now closed.

There will be additional intakes throughout 2024. If you would like to be advised of when the next intake is open for applications, please email firstnationsdigitalcareers@chde.qld.gov.au. The program will notify you when the applications are open.

Prospective host employers

If you would like to become a host employer in the First Nations Digital Careers Program, please email firstnationsdigitalcareers@chde.qld.gov.au.