Capacity Uplift Solution Program (CUSP): closing the gap between graduate training and industry needs
Australian universities produce bright, motivated graduates, but employers often report the same challenge: new entrants can lack the practical experience, industry-specific skills, and workplace readiness needed to deliver complex digital projects. Leaders IT’s Capacity Uplift Solution Program (CUSP) fixes that gap by supplying a practical pipeline of recent graduate, neurodivergent, return-to-work and transitioning talent, trained to meet your organisation’s needs.
CUSP places participants into 12-month, client-embedded roles where they receive on-the-job training, tailored technical development and structured soft-skills coaching. Each participant follows an individually tailored training plan created with their host hiring manager and supported by industry mentors. The outcome is talent that’s job-ready, aligned to your project objectives, and able to contribute to your team from day one.
Key business benefits
- Faster time-to-productivity: pre-vetted participants hit the ground running with targeted training and embedded within the workplace
- Reduced hiring risk: participants work on live projects for 12 months and high performers are converted to permanent staff at no additional cost
- Cost-effective skills development: Leaders IT’s training framework and mentor network are more effective than building expensive internal programs.
- Diversity and sustainability: by focusing on traditionally underrepresented talent, CUSP helps you build inclusive teams that deliver better outcomes and long-term growth.
- Retention and knowledge continuity: structured development and workplace integration increase engagement and lower churn.
Real results - Kinley Zam
Kinley began her relationship with Leaders IT as a contractor on an IT Service Desk role for the Western Australian Government, but her ambition was to transition into data science. Through CUSP she secured a placement in January 2023 as a Junior Data Scientist in the Rail Monitoring division of a major mining company. Over the 12-month program Kinley developed practical data engineering and analytics skills, benefited from focused mentorship, and contributed to live monitoring projects that improved operational insight.
Kinley’s progress didn’t stop there. Her dedication and proven impact led to a permanent role, and a continued career trajectory. Kinley has now been promoted to "Specialist in Reliability" within the company, a clear example of how CUSP not only transforms individual careers but also delivers tangible, long-term value to client organisations by embedding capable and committed talent.
Why forward-thinking organisations choose CUSP
If your business is scaling digital systems, implementing AI, or modernising legacy infrastructure, you need dependable, work-ready people who can contribute technically and culturally. CUSP provides that access with minimal administrative burden and a focus on sustainable workforce development. It’s more than staffing; it’s strategic capacity building that aligns training with your business outcomes.
Ready to build a future-ready team? Partner with Leaders IT to bridge the university-to-industry gap and grow a pipeline of skilled, diverse professionals who will power your digital transformation. Learn more about the Capacity Uplift Solution Program and start shaping tomorrow’s tech leaders today.
