ReadyTech Centre of Excellence in Launceston set to upskill local talent and bolster state’s tech workforce
14 October 2024 – ReadyTech, a leading provider of mission-critical technology solutions for the education, workforce management, government and justice sectors, is strengthening its footprint in Tasmania as it works towards becoming one of the state’s biggest tech employers.
The ASX-listed company, which has had a presence in Tasmania for more than 20 years, has expanded its Launceston base and officially opened its Centre of Excellence that will foster local technology talent and develop training and career pathways in the industry.
ReadyTech’s Head of Strategy and Innovation, Chris Smith, said the larger space would allow the company to increase its Tasmanian workforce.
“Over the past two decades, we’ve steadily grown our Tasmanian-based team, which plays a pivotal role in supporting our operations building world-class technology products for businesses in Australia and around the world,” he said.
“Launceston is an origin story built on a loyal, talented team. It felt like the right time to broaden our reach and create new, alternate pathways to address our changing workforce, supporting growth and offering more entry points into technical roles.” Smith said.
ReadyTech has approximately 40 employees based in Tasmania, which accounts for around 8% of its global team. Its goal for the expansion in Launceston is to double its workforce not just to fill jobs but to provide opportunities for the local community.
According to a 2022 Deloitte Access Economics report, there are close to 10,000 people in Tasmania’s tech workforce - 38% of which are employed by Tasmanian technology businesses. The sector generated an estimated $1.7 billion in revenue in 2020-21. Tasmanian technology businesses surveyed reported difficulty in attracting suitable staff,and identified technical skills gaps across several areas including cyber security, cloud computing and programming/software development.
ReadyTech plans to partner with the University of Tasmania and TasTAFE and collaborate with industry to develop education and training programs tailored to address specific tech skills.
Mr Smith said ReadyTech’s Centre of Excellence will become a hub of technology capabilities in software engineering, AI and data science, product management and cybersecurity.
“Through our Centre of Excellence, we’ll be supporting more Tasmanians to build the skills they need to enter and advance in the tech industry with re-skilling initiatives and alternate pathways for people from diverse backgrounds.” Mr Smith said.
“This will strengthen Tasmania’s tech workforce and increase the depth of technology skills and expertise in the state.”
ReadyTech Co-Founder and CEO, Marc Washbourne said the company was committed to deepening its investment in Tasmania and offering opportunities for talent to choose to stay and work in Tasmania.
“We want to make sure there are pathways for people looking to enter the industry, and provide meaningful opportunities for them to upskill and progress their career,” he said.
“Tasmania is carving out a future as a hub of creative, innovative and high-demand jobs in tech, and our vision is to contribute to growing the state’s tech industry.”
ReadyTech’s new office is located in Tasmania’s first mass timber high-rise building. According to the building’s architects, Terroir, the building is the most sustainable and carbon positive office developments in Tasmania, and one of the first net-zero carbon projects in Australia.
For further information or an interview with Marc Washbourne (Co-Founder & CEO) or Chris Smith (Head of Strategy & Innovation) at ReadyTech, please contact natalie.miller@readytech.io.
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For more information, please contact:
Natalie Miller
Head of Marketing, CX & Corporate Communications
p. +61 422 436 787
e. natalie.miller@readytech.io
About ReadyTech
ReadyTech is a leading provider of mission-critical SaaS for the education, workforce management, government and justice sectors. Bringing together the best in people management systems from students and apprentices to payroll, employment services, and community engagement, ReadyTech creates awesome technology that helps their customers navigate complexity, while also delivering meaningful outcomes. To learn more about ReadyTech’s people-centric approach to technology, please visit readytech.io.