Senior IT industry member Dr Paul Campbell told of the troubles facing the ICT industry at the Faculty of Informatics and Communication Australian Computer Society presentation this week.

The presentation ‘The Queensland IT Industry – Now and the future’ outlined the commercial and political environment for the ICT industry, the pressures the industry faces, trends and skills that will be in demand in the future. Students grabbed the opportunity at the post-presentation networking session, to talk with the ICEMEDIA Managing Director about points of entry as well as strategies for gaining employment.

CQU Information Technology Program Coordinator Michael Gregory believes the launch of the Bachelor of Information Technology (co-op) program will produce “quality graduates that will be in high demand and sought out by industry”. The program incorporates a six-month paid industry placement which allows the student to develop the work experience that can make a big difference when competing for positions with quality employers.

“It will really give students the edge when seeking full-time employment,” Mr Gregory said. Students can enter the program by direct application through QTAC. It is envisaged an OP7 would be required for direct entry. Students may also be able to enter the program by performing well in first year of the Bachelor of Information Technology program.

More than 70 members of industry, CQU students, staff and members of the CQU community attended presentation which was videoconferenced to Bundaberg, Mackay and the Gladstone campus.

For further details on the BIT (co-op) please contact Mike Gregory on 4930 9485.

Photo above: Greg Whymark, Paul Campbell and Mike Gregory have a chat after the presentation.

Photo left: Students Miranda Berry and Twyan Grace catch up with Paul Campbell at the IT presentation.