Tourism Tasmania is doing an excellent job of enticing travellers to trek to Hobart – with a trip to MONA, the Salamanca Market and historic Battery Point all offering enough incentive to cross the Bass Strait. However, ReadyTech – the leading provider of employment services management systems in Australia for Workforce Australia, Disability Employment Services (DES) and other employment programs – has added another option to the itinerary – with its announcement of the official opening of the ReadyTech Centre of Excellence in Launceston, offering a key step in the company’s commitment to developing local tech talent and supporting a stronger workforce for the future.
This new Centre isn’t just about creating jobs; it’s about building an inclusive, skilled workforce that’s ready for the rapidly evolving demands of the tech industry.
According to Chris Smith (main feature image), Head of Strategy and Innovation at ReadyTech, “ReadyTech’s Centre of Excellence is our commitment to future-proofing Tasmania’s workforce with a focus on digital innovation and tech skills. Our goal is to inspire a new wave of careers in tech and foster a community that reflects the strength and diversity of Tasmania.” The Centre aims to train, upskill, and offer alternate pathways for Tasmanians interested in building careers in fields like software engineering, AI, data science, and cybersecurity.
ReadyTech has long maintained a presence in Tasmania, with around 40 employees currently based in Launceston. This new centre represents an opportunity to expand that team, providing pathways for individuals to start or grow careers without needing to leave their home state. According to Smith, this expansion is also about inclusivity: “Our vision is one where Tasmanians can step into meaningful careers, regardless of their background. By prioritising diverse hiring and investing in hands-on training, we’re creating a space where people can find their place in tech, even without traditional experience.”
A 2022 Deloitte Access Economics report highlighted a pressing need for skilled workers in Tasmania’s growing tech sector, with businesses often facing challenges in finding talent with expertise in areas like cybersecurity and programming. Recognising this, ReadyTech is collaborating with the University of Tasmania and TasTAFE to build industry-aligned training programs. These partnerships will support practical pathways, such as digital apprenticeships, to help new and transitioning professionals gain immediately applicable skills.
ReadyTech is particularly focused on opening doors for underrepresented groups, especially women. “By hiring for potential and fostering growth on the job, we’re breaking down barriers to entry and creating space for diverse talent to thrive,” Smith explained. ReadyTech’s approach reflects a belief in rethinking recruitment and redefining what it means to be tech talent, ensuring that their team mirrors the communities they serve.
The Centre of Excellence is located in Tasmania’s first mass timber high-rise, a landmark building that is among Australia’s first net-zero carbon office developments. This sustainable office space aligns with ReadyTech’s vision of creating lasting impact not only through technology but also through environmental stewardship.
Co-founder and CEO, Marc Washbourne, sees the Centre of Excellence as a critical step in making Tasmania a vibrant hub for the tech industry. “We’re deeply committed to investing in Tasmania, so talented individuals have the option to stay and grow here. We want to ensure there are career pathways in tech that people can pursue locally,” Washbourne stated. This investment in Tasmania is both an economic boost and a vision for making tech careers more accessible, fostering a more robust regional workforce.
ReadyTech’s long-term goals for Tasmania are ambitious. The Centre of Excellence is more than just a facility; it’s the foundation for a thriving tech ecosystem that pushes innovation forward. ReadyTech works closely with educational institutions, industry, and government to cultivate a pipeline of tech professionals ready to meet tomorrow’s challenges. As Smith remarked, “We’re building a future-focused hub that nurtures local talent while driving economic growth. Our Centre of Excellence is not just about today’s jobs; it’s about creating lasting value and building a future for the next generation of tech professionals in Tasmania.”
For Tasmania, ReadyTech’s Centre of Excellence marks an exciting new chapter. With the company’s dedication to inclusive recruitment, innovative training programs, and a commitment to sustainability, Launceston is set to become a focal point for tech talent.