Commonwealth Bank (CommBank) signed the NSW Digital Skills and Workforce Compact 20% Alterative Pathways Pledge in 2024. A year on, they have shared their story to inspire other businesses on how alternative pathways can play a key part in achieving organisational goals.
After signing on to the compact, CommBank re-launched the Technology Associates Program, designed to open doors for emerging talent in fields like Engineering, Data Science and Cyber Security. The program was reimagined to now offer permanent roles with tailored support and optional rotations to suit an individual’s needs.
Kathryn Howard, CommBank's Product Owner Community Skilling, shared the organisation is proud to be part apart of the change underway, saying “it [the program] sends a clear message – alternative pathways aren’t just a pilot program, they’re integral to our long-term workforce strategy”
She further reflected that building a new talent pipeline takes time. “It’s been a year of learning, and a mindset shift to reimagine what tech talent looks like and where it comes from.” Kathryn shared.
To support the expansion of their Associates Program, CommBank made shifts to how they recruit, track and report on the talent that comes through the program. As a result, they were able attract and recruit high quality talent through improved engagement, identify areas where more support was needed and understand areas that needed more support or focus.
Kathryn spoke to the importance of support structures saying “it’s not about getting people through the door. Wraparound support like mentoring, coaching and community has been key to helping our Tech Associates succeed”.
“We’ve learned to meet people where they are, which means flexible onboarding, tailored learning and development opportunities and recognising that everyone’s journey is different which is something we celebrate”.
Kathryn shared the benefits of working with the NSW Digital Skills and Workforce Compact saying “its enabled CommBank to accelerate our alternative pathways through a community of partners aligned on shared goals. The collective effort has helped us move faster, learn from others and exchange ideas that sharpen our approach”.
So, what’s next?
Over the next 12 months, CommBank will be continuing to expand their Associate Program working towards the 20% Alternative Pathways Pledge 2030 goal.
From panel discussions to profile pieces, another focus for CommBank has been spotlighting employees who’ve taken a less conventional pathway into tech.
“[The success stories] often challenge the status quo and highlight what’s possible when we focus on skills and potential – not just formal qualifications” says Kathryn.
Through sharing these stories and continuously improving the experience CommBank offers to their talent, Kathryn hopes it will inspire other both employers and individuals to rethink what a career in tech looks like.