Closing the Gap: TAFE Queensland's ICT Internship Program Is a Big Deal
If you've spent any time talking about Queensland's ICT skills shortage - and if you work in this industry, you have - then you know that the conversation usually arrives at the same place: we need better pathways from education into industry.
Well, TAFE Queensland just made a significant move in that direction.
What Is TQII?
The TAFE Queensland Industry Internship (TQII) is a program specifically designed to connect graduating ICT and Cyber Security students from TAFE Queensland with leading vendors, integrators, and end customers in Brisbane. It provides a bridge for students to gain work experience, mentoring, and ultimately, pathways to employment.
For the current semester, the program is offering an exclusive work experience opportunity for four Stage 2 Diploma of IT (Networking/Cloud) students. These participants gain a high-level view of how the IT industry operates from three critical angles: the vendor, the integrator, and the customer.
The structure is fast-paced and immersive:
Duration: Placements run 2 days a week across a 3-week period.
Rotation: Students rotate through different industry partner sites.
Focus: The program provides unpaid industry exposure and real-world observation.
Support: Work experience liability insurance is covered by TAFE Queensland while students are enrolled.
Why This Matters
With approximately 500 students graduating from IT and Cyber courses at TAFE Queensland annually, the "supply" of talent is there. However, many are lost to the industry because they lack the professional connections or practical experience required to land their first role.
As we approach 2032, Queensland is facing its largest ICT infrastructure program in history, which will require a massive surge in skilled talent. Programs like TQII ensure that we don't just train students, but successfully transition them into the workforce to meet this demand.
Industry Giants Are Stepping Up
What makes TQII different is the caliber of industry involvement. Leading organisations are moving beyond just "hiring" and are actively helping to shape the next generation of ICT superstars.
Current partners and participants include:
Vendors & Infrastructure:Cisco, DELL, Palo Alto Networks, Megaport, NEXTDC, and Cymax.
Integrators & Managed Services:Truis, Brennan IT, Rivernet, Datacom, Idea11, and Queensland Computers.
Government & Specialist Firms:Queensland Government, WhiteRook Cyber, and Hall Computers.
How to Get Involved
For Students
If you are a current Stage 2 Diploma of IT (Networking/Cloud) student nearing graduation, you can register your interest by emailing Cristey Gudgeon at cristey.gudgeon@tafeqld.edu.au. Your application must include:
A brief pitch (under 500 words) outlining your IT background and why you should be chosen.
A rating (0–4) of your preferred experience in Cloud, Cyber Security, AI, and Networking Security.
For Organisations
Are you an organisation looking to build a reliable pipeline of capable ICT staff or simply want to mentor the next generation? TAFE Queensland is actively seeking partners for future rotations.
👉 Register your interest for the 2026 EOI here
ICT Industry Queensland is proud to support initiatives like TQII that strengthen the local tech community. Learn more at ictindustryqld.org.