The Victorian Government has welcomed the announcement that IT giant IBM is set to create 150 new technology jobs after the establishment of the new IBM Asia Pacific Centre of Excellence for Software Testing.

 

IBM announced it will expand its operations at the Ballarat Technology Park in conjunction with the University of Ballarat.

 

“This is a strategically important investment for the Ballarat region. IBM’s expansion will develop the region’s technology capabilities, create highly skilled jobs and further diversify Ballarat’s economic base,” State Technology Minister Gordon Rich-Phillips said.

 

The centre will create jobs in software application development, application support, application management, consulting services and high level technical specialists. 

 

IBM Australia and New Zealand Managing Director Andrew Stevens said the investment would further cement Ballarat’s reputation as the premium location in Australia for the domestic delivery of ICT and business process services.

 

“IBM began its journey in Ballarat 15 years ago. Today we are very pleased to continue building our world-class Services Delivery Centre here in Ballarat, with the support of the Victorian Government and the University of Ballarat,” Mr Stevens said.

 

“An advanced, high-value services economy is key to ensuring Australia’s future prosperity and this Centre of Excellence will be central to our ability to drive further service innovations.”

 

University of Ballarat Vice-Chancellor Professor David Battersby said the university was delighted by the announcement.

 

“IBM is an extremely important and valuable tenant at our Technology Park. The company has been highly influential in the overall success of the Technology Park and has made a major contribution to the economic and social advancement of this city,” Professor Battersby said.