SydneyTalent and ICT partnership
The University of Sydney's Information and Communications Technology (ICT) group was one of SydneyTalent's first clients. The relationship between ICT and SydneyTalent was established in October 2007 and has since rapidly expanded to include over 25 SydneyTalent employees who now support many of the University's core teaching, research and professional services units. The success of the ICT SydneyTalent Employee program has resulted in several of the student employees becoming permanent staff members.
The introduction of student employees to ICT was spearheaded by Heath Cooper, Manager of the newly established Agile Solutions team. "We have been able to successfully change the culture of our team, improve the level of service to our customers while at the same time provide valuable work experience for students. What started as a request for one student soon became an entire new team dedicated to leading in the University of Sydney in the development of innovative online solutions that improve the student and staff experience," said Heath. One of those first student employees was Cameron Walsh, a talented Analyst Programmer who has since been appointed to a permanent role.
Cameron joined SydneyTalent after impressing recruitment consultant Meishana Achary with the presentation of his thesis at a research forum. Cameron graduated with honours and has a skill set demonstrating exemplary technical expertise. He has been employed with ICT now for over a year. Cameron is one of a team of eight developers who form the Agile Development Team led by Kym McInerney within Solution Services. The Agile Development Team was responsible for creating the successful Sydney Talent online time sheet system used by all student employees.
The successful partnership between ICT and Sydney Talent has resulted in the creation of several new integrated employment programs specifically designed to provide Engineering and IT Students with valuable work experience. Targeting elite performers, these programs include formal training courses and industry recognised certifications.
"Sydney Talent has been pivotal in the successful creation of the Agile Solutions team. Partnering with Sydney Talent is one of the most valuable strategic initiatives ICT has undertaken in the last three years," added Heath.