CBA partners with TAFE and Queensland unis to launch Brisbane tech hub
The Commonwealth Bank launched its third technology center in Australia this year, partnering with Queensland educators to locate in Brisbane’s CBD.
CBA has partnered with The University of Queensland (UQ), Queensland University of Technology (QUT) and TAFE Queensland to offer students and graduates the opportunity to participate in CBA’s Tech Associates and Graduate programmes.
The bank launched similar hubs in Adelaide in February and Melbourne in July.
Brendan Hopper, CBA’s chief information officer for technology, said the hub will also create new job opportunities for engineers, cyber specialists and data scientists, adding 100 jobs. The bank aims to recruit 1,000 engineers by 2022.
“We are excited about this next phase of our plan to build tech hubs outside of our Sydney HQ so people can work wherever they want, but still go to the hubs to drive connection, collaboration and innovation to secure data. develop driven products for our customers,” he said.
“Due to the COVID pandemic, many of our technology professionals chose to move to Queensland to pursue a lifestyle change. By having the tech hub in Brisbane, our people based there still have access to major technology employers like CBA and can make an impact in their work without having to move to the highway.
Hopper said that with the Brisbane Olympics in 2032, the bank expects further investment in technology along with more people moving there
The partnerships with UQ, QUT and TAFE Queensland enable CBA to develop a local talent pipeline, with a focus on computer science, engineering, data science and cybersecurity.
Jackie French, director of TAFE Queensland’s Faculty of Creative Arts and Digital Design, said the partnership would provide graduates with a path to technology careers closer to home.
“Queensland already has a vibrant digital community with an established pipeline of graduates,” she said.
“As the state’s largest training provider, we are excited to partner with CBA to provide skilled and job-ready graduates in information technology, cybersecurity, website and software developers for the placements this program will bring.”
