RMIT offers free IT diploma for women in Victoria 2025

RMIT has announced the continuation of its free, federally supported Diploma of Information Technology for women and gender-diverse people across Victoria in 2025.

This part-time, online course will once again be available for women and gender-diverse students in regional Victoria and Melbourne, with applications now open. The programme is designed to help individuals already in paid employment upskill in the field of Information Technology, which remains in high demand.

The initiative forms part of the Earn and Learn model that was initially launched last year. With secured government funding, a new cohort is expected to begin in 2025, supported by the Australian government's Women in STEM Cadetships and Advanced Apprenticeships Programme. This programme seeks to upskill women in STEM, facilitate pathways to higher education, produce work-ready graduates in STEM, and increase the number of women holding STEM qualifications in the workforce.

Mish Eastman, Deputy Vice Chancellor Vocational Education and Vice President, stated, "These programmes are vital for regional students, particularly women. We're committed to practical solutions that empower working women and address Victoria's need for skilled workers across metropolitan and regional areas."

Current student Vered Adler, who is part of the 2024 cohort, shared her experiences. As Manager of Business and Corporate Services in a government agency, Adler works with IT and cybersecurity vendors and wanted to deepen her technical expertise. "What has surprised me is that IT is so varied. When I was in high school and university, I thought computer science represented programming and coding – and I never thought that would be for me. IT has transformed into much more, from how to design products people will find useful to networking between devices and the internet," Adler said.

Vered Adler continued, "My professional role requires me to interact with third party IT providers. I now have the knowledge and confidence to negotiate with them; they can no longer pull the wool over my eyes."

She also noted the engaging online content, stating, "I have found the online content so engaging. I never thought I'd be excited about getting up at 8 am on a Saturday to go to my computer and complete my lab. The teachers ensure they're always available to bounce ideas. They motivate us and want to see us excel in this course that encourages women to participate in the male-dominated IT industry."

Adler expressed admiration for her fellow classmates, acknowledging, "Many of the women in my class are juggling a lot of responsibilities, including working full-time and caring for families. I'm so impressed in their tenacity in prioritising their own self development and learning as this opportunity came along."

Vicki Kane, an education coordinator for Country Universities Centre Ovens Murry, based in Corryong in north-east Victoria, also provided positive feedback about the course. "I had a passion to learn something different and I've always been interested in IT," she said.

She continued, "I want to be more comfortable using IT where I work. I'm the only person on-site making sure the students can access their studies and complete assignments. This course has given me the confidence to solve IT problems and use different programs needed in assignments."

Kane emphasised the importance of rural communities accessing remote learning opportunities: "I can study remotely and then use those skills back in my community, which I think is important for rural communities where skilled people, like IT specialists, are needed. I love that I get the best of both worlds; a beautiful, relaxed country lifestyle and access to top education at RMIT."

"I think it's vital we can access remote learning. We're changing the way we study and work and keeping rural communities strong. We still need rich rural communities that provide a variety of jobs, especially for women," Kane added.