Addressing the IT demand

With the shortfall of IT graduates projected to increase over the next few years, Heritage Building Society is working with the University of Southern Queensland (USQ) to ensure a continued supply of high-quality IT staff.

The strong record of supply and demand means both organisations are looking to continue and strengthen the relationship.

General Manager of Technology and Payment Systems at Heritage John Williams said USQ is usually his first port of call when looking to fill positions within the IT department.

'Usually I will approach the Business and Science Faculties and seek their help to see if they have people to fit a particular profile,' Mr Williams said.

'At the moment we are recruiting two programming graduates. We give the faculties a profile requesting GPA's above a certain level, and specifying the certain skills we require.'

Associates within the IT industry have noticed the increasing difficulty in filling positions for graduates, he said.

'I talk quite frequently with other counterparts within the finance and IT industries. There is a high demand for IT staff and graduates.

'With the low unemployment rate and high demand for positions it can be difficult to get well qualified people. We are looking at ways to work more closely with USQ.'

The large IT staff at Heritage requires an ongoing supply of graduates to fill positions, he said.

'Outside of the University, Heritage is the largest employer of IT graduates in Toowoomba.

'We have 48 staff in our IT division, more than half of them would have qualifications from USQ.

'Our most recent USQ recruit is a second year student. He did work experience with us for two weeks and is now working for us. We have a study assistance program as well so he can continue studying while receiving a full time salary with us.

'If we are looking at second year students I think that is testament to the demand for IT graduates.'

The two organisations have enjoyed working together for some time, Mr Williams said.

'We work reasonably closely with USQ on a corporate level,' he said.

'Heritage offers various scholarships; there is one for IT. We also do guest lecturing for USQ and provide assistance to advisory boards in IT.'

Having a reliable source of skilled potential employees has been important to the organisation Mr Williams said.

'It is really important to get high quality, well skilled graduates. As a banking society there is not much that doesn't involve IT at Heritage.'

Media Contact: Jane Urquhart USQ Media +61 7 4631 2559