Media release
Stone & Chalk launches Pivott Careers
13 May 2021
Stone & Chalk, Australia’s leading network for emerging technologies, launched the Pivott program today to connect professionals with startups, scale-ups and emerging technology companies. Thanks to funding from Victoria’s startup agency LaunchVic, the free, full-scale program will first launch in Victoria to ‘pivot’ over 2,000 career professionals into new roles.
With access to both technical and non-technical talent a major pain point for high-growth emerging technology companies, the program will provide a pathway for ambitious professionals, providing them with the skills, mindset and tools they need to seek career opportunities in a startup or scale-up.
According to a recent report from RMIT Online and Deloitte, over 50,000 Australians reported a ‘lack of skills’ as the main barrier to finding work in 2020. Pivott is designed to help Australians understand that technical skills are not the only roles startups are seeking; and the fast-growing emerging technology sector has opportunities across a range of disciplines, all of which are actively hiring.
Pivott is a holistic program that offers Australians learning opportunities, while also providing access to interactive workshops, industry events, mentorship programs and a job matching platform to connect job-seeking professionals with employers based on their unique skills. Professionals are encouraged to take advantage of multiple elements of the program during their recruitment journey. The program is also open to startups across Stone & Chalk’s network to provide them with fair access to the strong talent needed to fuel their growth.
Minister for Innovation, Medical Research and the Digital Economy, Jaala Pulford said the skills programs will provide new career pathways for Victorians and ensure a pipeline of suitable candidates for the rapidly growing startup ecosystem. “We’re backing Victorians who want to transition into a different career to get the skills and connections to work in a startup,” Ms Pulford said. “Startups create jobs and are playing an increasingly important role in Victoria’s economy - programs such as these will help Victorians chart a course to a rewarding future."
Paul Seidl, an employee at GigSuper who recently made the transition into the startup world said, "First day in, you're in marketing meetings, product development meetings, advertising ... you're accessing different parts of your brain. Things I’ve never been able to try in the corporate world. Making the transition from a corporate to tech startup has been fulfilling from day one."
Annie Le Cavalier, General Manager of Stone & Chalk Melbourne said, “I’m pleased we could kick off the launch of this new program in Victoria. As the local sector continues to mature, more opportunities for workers of all backgrounds and skill sets will continue to emerge."
Alex Scandurra, Group CEO of Stone & Chalk added, “Talent is a key enabler for economic growth and this program will provide professionals who are new to the startup ecosystem with the right resources and training. By leveraging Stone & Chalk’s network of startups, scale-ups and partners, we’re able to offer a solution that addresses startups’ immediate talent challenges.
“Providing a holistic introduction to the startup ecosystem means Australians are walking into roles well equipped with industry knowledge, an appreciation of the need for their own skills and valuable mentors to lean on.”
The Pivott program is open to job seekers and startups in Victoria.
Stone & Chalk is Australia’s leading network for the emerging tech sector
Together with their resident founders, mentors, investors, and industry and government partners they have a proven track record in providing growth and commercialisation support for startups and scale-ups. Residencies in their innovation hubs in Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide provide access to customers, capital, talent, expertise and community collaboration opportunities.
Media contact:
Tom Finnigan
Media, Content and Production Manager
Stone & Chalk l AustCyber
M: 0408 867 367
