Western Australia’s information and communication technology (ICT) industry has opened up to the world, thanks to a new online one-stop shop.
Industry and Enterprise Minister Francis Logan today launched the new ICTWA Portal which provides a pathway to careers in the ICT industry, as well as centralised information about the ICT sector in WA.
Mr Logan said the main feature of the portal was the careers pages that would help students, career advisers, parents and teachers find out more information about career options in ICT.
“These pages will provide information about university and TAFE programs, career profiles, salary rates, students’ plans and scholarships,” he said.
“Teachers and career advisers will also have access to professional work and development programs.”
The Minister launched the portal at the Geraldton Senior College, as part of National ICT Week. Geraldton is expected to become a major ICT hub if WA’s bid for the $2billion Square Kilometre Array (SKA) telescope is successful.
The portal is a key initiative of the national ‘ICT: Start Here, Go Anywhere’ campaign, which aims to attract more people within Australia to pursue a career in ICT.
Mr Logan said the ICT industry in WA was growing steadily and the State Government had identified it as a key industry for WA’s future.
“This portal will showcase the quality and diversity of our ICT industry and raise awareness of what WA has to offer,” he said.
“It will provide a centralised and easily accessible location for people all around the world, as well as help the increasing demand for ICT professionals in WA.”
The ICTWA Portal has been developed by the Department of Industry and Resources, in conjunction with the ICT Industry Collaboration Centre.
Centre chairperson Valerie Maxville said the portal was an online home for the State’s ICT industry.
“We are showcasing WA’s amazing ICT industry - it should not be a secret that WA is home to exceptional ICT companies including Moodle, iinet, ERG, Fundi Software and Immersive Technologies,” Ms Maxville said.
“The portal can also help to foster collaboration within and external to the local industry by allowing organisations to flag their interest in research and development partnerships.
“In terms of content, we want to provide a cohesive overview of the industry but then link out to more detailed, practical information such as ICT courses at local universities, lists of places where students can conduct work experience and applicable scholarships.
“Ultimately the ICTWA Portal aims to promote the industry, not the portal itself, and we will continually be looking at ways to make it easy to find information, contacts and build networks to strengthen the industry.”
The new portal is available by visiting http://www.ictwa.org.au
Minister's office - 9222 8950 
