Victorian startups are continuing to reap the rewards from Andrews Labor Government initiatives, with one of the state’s biggest innovation success stories further expanding its operations today.
Minister for Innovation, Medical Research and the Digital Economy Jaala Pulford was on hand to unveil the new Hawthorn office for Melbourne-based technology company Compass Education, which designs school management software for education providers.
The company supplies more than 1,600 government and private schools with software which improves communication and keeps schools and students connected.
Compass has grown rapidly since 2010 to employ 155 people and was able to help Victorian families and school students during the coronavirus pandemic, as schools turned to remote learning from home.
To build their business beyond Australia, Compass Education have been beneficiaries of support from Global Victoria, the Government’s trade facilitation agency which provides a gateway to international economies.
With help from Global Victoria, Compass were able to develop opportunities in the UK and take part in a number of successful trade missions and forums, including last month’s virtual Victorian Global Edtech and Innovation Expo.
The local success story is just one example of the growing demand for employees with digital skills, which is why the Labor Government has invested $64 million in the Digital Skills and Jobs Program – which will transition up to 5,000 mid-career workers into digital jobs over the next three years.
The program will offer targeted upskilling and re-skilling opportunities, helping Victorians develop their digital skills, especially those looking to transition to new and exciting opportunities.
With an emphasis on supporting women, who are underrepresented in the digital jobs sector, the program will expand Victoria’s pipeline of digital talent and support the state’s growing tech and startup sectors.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Innovation, Medical Research and the Digital Economy Jaala Pulford
“Compass Education is a fantastic example of a home-grown tech company on the rise, growing local jobs and taking on the world.”
“We’re committed to backing our startup sector, to develop new solutions that improve the way we learn and work, and to create new job opportunities for Victorians.”
Quote attributable to Member for Hawthorn John Kennedy
“It’s great to see a world-class company opening offices in Hawthorn, bringing hundreds of people to the area and boosting the local economy.”
Quote attributable to Compass Education CEO John de la Motte
“Through Global Victoria, the Victorian Government has helped Compass build a global network so we can start exporting our software platform and service to school communities around the world.”
Reviewed 24 May 2021