The best things in life are free. Love, happiness and right now, a Diploma of IT. Specifically, the one on offer through the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology. Yes, aspiring academics – in their efforts to break down barriers and promote diversity in the tech industry, one of Australia’s top universities is offering you the opportunity to get educated for absolutely nothing. Here’s everything you need to know about the innovative initiative on offer for women and gender-diverse individuals across Victoria. And, how you too can get a free Diploma of IT at RMIT.
Empowerment through education
The Free Diploma of IT at RMIT University is a programme established in partnership with the Commonwealth Government. It aims to equip participants with essential tech skills while fostering inclusivity and addressing regional educational disparities.
The initiative targets women and gender-diverse individuals currently employed across various industries. Providing them with the opportunity to study part-time over two years. The first cohort of 80 students, comprising individuals from both regional Victoria and Melbourne, commenced their studies this semester. This approach allows students to continue their careers while enhancing their IT knowledge. Which they can apply directly in their workplaces or leverage for career transitions or further academic pursuits in IT.
Sarah Lambert, Advisor for Equity & Inclusion at RMIT, underscores the programme’s dual purpose of empowering underrepresented groups in STEM fields and addressing regional skills gaps. “Boosting participation of women in STEM is a priority for RMIT. And, through initiatives like this, we are not only enhancing workplace diversity but also contributing to the economic resilience of regional communities,” she says.
One woman’s journey
Vicki Kane (main image), an education coordinator based in Corryong, shares her transformative experience with the Diploma of IT programme. Working remotely for the Country Universities Centre Ovens Murray, Vicki saw the programme as an opportunity to bolster her IT proficiency. And better support local students as a result. “I’ve always been interested in IT”, she says. “And, this course has given me the confidence to solve IT problems and use different programmes needed in assignments.”
For Vicki, the programme goes beyond personal development; it’s about enriching her community. “Studying remotely allows me to bring back valuable skills to my rural community,” she emphasises. This sentiment echoes the programme’s broader impact of strengthening regional economies by nurturing local talent and fostering a supportive network among participants across the state.
The impact of advocacy
Sarah emphasises the power of initiatives like this, to advance RMIT’s commitment to equity and inclusion in STEM education. “We are thrilled with the response and enrolment from regional areas,” she says. “They represent 40 per cent of our student cohort. Which is a significant achievement.”
The programme is part of the Australian Government’s broader Women in STEM Cadetships and Advanced Apprenticeships Programme. This initiative not only aims to upskill women in STEM but also aims to build a pipeline of skilled workers across both metropolitan and regional Victoria. It addresses the evolving needs of the workforce by equipping women with practical skills that are increasingly crucial in today’s tech-driven economy.
So, while there may be no such thing as a “free lunch” when it comes to IT Diplomas for zero dollars, RMIT is putting their (proverbial) money where their mouth is!