Technology and services consultancy, NCS Australia has partnered with Swinburne University of Technology to develop and deliver world class under and postgraduate learning through its Australian Graduate School of Entrepreneurship (AGSE) in the School of Business, Law and Entrepreneurship to address the technology talent shortage and shape the future of digital business education in Australia. 

The new partnership will help develop local talent and equip students with the knowledge and practical experience to thrive in the tech industry by providing student placements, student internships and collaborations within global innovation leader, NCS Australia.

Australia's tech sector is projected to require an additional 600,000 skilled professionals by 2030, according to research by the Tech Council of Australia . 

Swinburne will foster a dynamic learning environment by leveraging NCS’ expertise and industry insights with a focus on blended, intensive, and immersive teaching methods.

The collaboration will contribute to the development and delivery of innovative course materials and units that align with the evolving needs of the digital business landscape.

The partnership, which provides guest speakers, advising on relevant curriculum, and supporting capstone projects, is a tremendous opportunity that ensures students gain real-world exposure and develop practical skills aligned with the industry's latest trends. 

The experience will provide students with the industry, digital and technical insights to be work-ready as the next wave of tech talent to fill the technology talent gap in Australia.

Marcus Salouk, Country Lead at NCS Australia and Global Sales lead at NCS, says, "NCS Australia is proud to collaborate with Swinburne in delivering a world class initiative that supports shaping the future of digital business education. Swinburne is one of the leading universities in digital innovation, so we see this relationship as a natural fit.”

Tristan Sternson, Global Co-lead, NCS Next, says, “I’ve always considered myself a techie first, and business leader second. My passion for technology is something that first lead me to study an undergraduate degree in IT at Swinburne many years ago, setting up a solid foundation for my career choices that followed and it is an honour to now be in a position where I can share my learnings across technology, entrepreneurship and leading a global team.

“Education is critical and I’m extremely excited about the possibilities that can come from one of the most innovative Universities in the world collaborating with a global innovation leader like NCS.

“We share the same ambition to develop local talent, create lasting impact and help change the narrative about the tech skills shortage. With this partnership we’re also in a unique position to not only champion great talent in Australia but also build close connections between Australia and the rest of the APAC region, empowering further skills training and career opportunities.”

Swinburne’s commitment to co-creating education with industry leaders and delivering programs that directly address the demands of a rapidly evolving workforce is exemplified by this strategic collaboration.

Alexander Kaiser, Director, Industry Engagement School of Business, Law & Entrepreneurship, Swinburne University of Technology, says, “This collaboration with NCS Australia is incredibly thrilling for us, as it enables us to offer top-tier education tailored for today's graduates.

“Our programs are meticulously crafted with the future in mind. With over a century of experience, we are committed to co-creating and delivering transformative education through robust industry involvement, social inclusivity, and a resolute drive for positive impact across our undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. NCS Australia is our principal discipline partner for information systems and business analysis and analytics.

“We are an innovative university that continually evolves to ensure our students receive the finest education and gain access to industry experts, both locally and internationally.

“By collaborating with NCS Australia, Swinburne is solidifying its position as a trailblazer in equipping individuals from diverse backgrounds for the future of employment”. 

The partnership commenced in August 2023.

About NCS Australia

NCS Australia is a leading technology services firm, providing services and solutions in consulting, digital, applications and more. We believe in the power of technology to make extraordinary things happen and to create lasting impact and value for our people, communities and partners. We bring together people and expertise to harness the best of technology. Our diverse 2,000-strong workforce has delivered a wealth of large-scale, mission-critical, and multi-platform projects for governments and businesses across Australia. We are part of the NCS Group which operates across the APAC region, has a 12,000-strong workforce and is the #1 market leader in IT services in Singapore and Southeast Asia. We believe in the power of technology to make extraordinary happen and to create lasting impact and value for our people, communities and partners.