Microsoft and Modis to launch female careers in space

Smart industry solutions business Modis has partnered with Microsoft to launch its new skills program in South Australia.

The program will focus on the defence and technology industries and will support female candidates seeking to work in entry-level space roles.

According to a spokesperson, “The program is open to any woman interested in developing experience in data analytics regardless of their academic and work background and is a free 10-week program.”

Participants will learn from space and defence industry leaders, providing pathways to network and form connections with veterans in the sector.

The skills program is associated with the Australian Space Agency’s national strategy, which seeks to place and extra 20,000 people into jobs across technology, data analytics, cyber security and software development by 2030.

According to Anatoli Kovalev, Head of Modis Tech Academy, “Through our alliance with industry-leading training partners, we have unlocked greater access than ever to candidates with the advanced, in-demand skillsets of technology and will be at the forefront of closing the technology skills gap in Australia.”

The University of South Australia, the University of Adelaide and TAFE SA have announced their support and will draw from their pool of students and alumni to find appropriate candidates to put forward.

PwC Australia and Avanade are also set to provide guest speakers and support industry projects and Stone and Chalk will support female access to entrepreneurial programs and startups.

Microsoft Australia’s Azure Space Lead, Lynn McDonald said, “Microsoft Azure Space announced our strategic collaboration with the Australian Space Agency, extension into Lot Fourteen, and investment in the Australian Space industry in September 2021. Today’s announcement further demonstrates our commitment to supporting Australia, and South Australia, in becoming a leading player in the global space industry."

According to Matt Opie, Defence & Space, University of South Australia, “Given the growth of the defence, space and high tech sectors in South Australia, we are connecting UniSA students to the fantastic employment opportunities that exist, particularly women given they have traditionally been under-represented in these industries. As a collaboration between higher education, Microsoft, Modis and industry partners, the new program will offer women a valuable career launchpad into these exciting industries and jobs of the future.”

Microsoft and Modis' skills program is designed for recent university or TAFE graduates and is set to commence in March 2022.