SAS and TAFE NSW First-of-its-kind Collaboration Targeting Australia’s Data Analytics Skills Gap

Industry, higher education, and enterprise collaborate to build future-ready workforce.

The Institute of Applied Technology Digital (IATD), at TAFE NSW Meadowbank, has partnered with SAS, a global leader in data and AI, to redefine education in the state while addressing the nation’s data skills shortage^[1]. The IATD has introduced the Data Analytics Work Integrated Learning Program, a 10-week training course co-created with SAS. The course will hone essential technical and enterprise skills - spanning critical thinking, problem solving, management, data visualisation, data modelling, machine learning and more.

The IATD is a collaboration between TAFE NSW, Microsoft, Macquarie University, the University of Technology Sydney, and core industry partners such as SAS. Supported by the NSW Department of Education, the IATD designs and delivers microskills and microcredentials that rapidly adapt to industry needs.

Recognising the growing importance of real-world, hands-on experience in data analytics, and the requirement for rapid and effective training, the IATD chose SAS as its key collaborator for a data analytics learning program. The result is practical learning which embraces education from SAS experts, SAS certification and the potential for students to be connected to organisations that use SAS technology.

The Data Analytics Work Integrated Learning Program is the capstone experience of a unique Data Pathway at the IATD that includes up to four Microcredentials: Understanding Data Analytics, Data Visualisation Foundations, Python for Data Analytics, and Work Integrated Learning - Data Analytics with SAS. This bundle of four Microcredentials is accepted as credit towards relevant university degrees at University of Technology Sydney (UTS), Macquarie University, as well as TAFE NSW Higher Education, helping to accelerate education across education sectors and critical technology skills. Students who complete at least two of these Microcredentials will have the prerequisite skills to engage in the Work Integrated Learning Program. The Data Pathway provides the option for people currently working to augment their current skills with perhaps 1-2 credentials or complete the entire pathway and pivot completely into a career in Big Data. Even school leavers looking for a flexible, alternative route into a digital role may consider the full Data Pathway.

Director of Operations, Institute of Applied Technology, IATD, Helen Fremlin said: “IATD is committed to providing students with access to high-quality education and training that meets the needs of industry.

"There is growing demand for digital and data skills across Australia’s diverse industries. The Data Analytics Work Integrated Learning Program offers a unique blend of theoretical learning and hands-on exposure to real-world challenges, panel presentations, and mock interview training. Developed with SAS, the program will deliver innovative learning opportunities to prepare students for careers in AI and data analytics, enhancing their employability in the rapidly evolving jobs market,” Ms Fremlin said.

Craig Jennings, Vice President, SAS, Australia and New Zealand said: “There is a significant gap between what the industry expects from graduates and market demands in today’s data-driven world. Our collaboration with the IATD reaffirms our commitment to democratising data and AI and building the nation’s proficiencies.”

Jennings added: “This new program is relevant for those seeking a career change into a booming sector and those seeking to expand their skills beyond Developer or Business Analyst remits. At SAS, we work with organisations across sectors, such as retail, health, utilities, and finance, and we are recommending they consider their workforce participation in this new program, as they seek to maximise data for smart and innovative decisioning.”

The Data Analytics Lifecycle Program focuses on various key areas spanning AI and data, cloud computing, cybersecurity, governance and ethics, as well as software development. The first cohort will commence the program in September 2024.

Reflecting on his experience up-skilling at IATD, recent micro-credential graduate, Shuman Partoredjo, shared: “Having completed the IAT Microcredential, Understanding Data Analytics, it has been a personal game-changer for me. In rapid, but do-able, turnaround time I earned, not just a credential that I could proudly show to the world; but the confidence and capacity to go to market and show what I have to offer, and to think, build and deliver from a solid basis.”

With the support of the NSW Government, eligible residents can access the Data Analytics Work Integrated Learning Program at a subsidised rate, making it an accessible option for aspiring data professionals. Interested students are invited to find more information here. 

^[1] ‘Towards a National Jobs and Skills Roadmap,’ Annual Jobs and Skills Report 2023, Australian Government, Job and Skills Australia, October 2023

About TAFE NSW Institute of Applied Technology Digital (IATD)

The Institute of Applied Technology Digital (IATD) is a collaboration between TAFE NSW, SAS, Microsoft, Macquarie University, and the University of Technology Sydney. Supported by the Department of Education, the IATD designs and delivers market leading training that rapidly adapts to industry needs.
www.tafensw.edu.au/iat