Computer skills and the IT sector in general will play an increasingly important role in Australian economic development and prosperity, IBM has claimed.

Announcing the opening of a new IT Services Center at the University of Ballarat Technology Park, the US-based company explained that, as well as providing 800 new technology jobs at the site, the initiative will also provide a major boost to the economy of the state of Victoria.

In particular, the center, alongside the university's existing facilities, will help train the IT specialists of tomorrow, with the Victorian Government having set aside $10.8 million to help fund the scheme.

Speaking alongside Victoria Premier John Brumby at the opening ceremony, Peter Campbell, general manager of IBM Global Technology Services, said: "[The new center] builds on our commitment to keep cultivating interest and skills in the IT industry which are so important to Australia's economy and prosperity."

The center will provide hands-on training for students at the university and offer a number of fully-funded 'year in industry' schemes for the most-talented IT specialists.

The University of Ballarat currently has 260 academic staff members and boasts a student population of 25,800.