Multinational conglomerate Fujitsu has partnered with the Queensland Government to launch a First Nations service centre in the Australian town of Cherbourg to help boost digital skills for the community.

The ANZ branch of the company has teamed up with the Cherbourg Aboriginal Shire Council, Queensland Department of Innovation, Tourism & Sport and TAFE Queensland for a three-year pilot program to provide ethnic community members on-the-job training and employment opportunities.

Fujitsu ANZ head of Office of Purpose Nicole Forrester said,“Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, including those in Cherbourg, have continued to demonstrate unmatched strength and resilience, and it’s time this value is recognised by corporate Australia.” 

She also added that they are immensely proud to collaborate with the Cherbourg Council and community to support them as they take hold of their future and leverage the industry-wide digital transformation brought on by COVID-19.

Trainees will work towards a Certificate III from TAFE Queensland as part of the program.

Fujitsu will supply the equipment for the facility and will also encourage customers to opt to have their support calls attended by staff from the Cherbourg service centre.

Cherbourg Aboriginal Shire Council mayor Elvie Sandow said that they are pleased to see Fujitsu taking the lead in recognising the social and economic value of investing and partnering with First Nation communities like Cherbourg.

“As a community, we recognise the benefits of digital inclusion and the opening of the Service Centre is a natural extension of the digital journey we have already embarked on since the use of artificial intelligence at our waste recycling facility,” they added.

The opportunity seems interesting considering there has been a recent surge in jobs opportunities in Australia & New Zealand and there is a dearth of skilled labour to meet the  rising demand.