HSS Application Developer Derek Fong wins GovHack Award for new app
HSS Application Developer, Derek Fong who was recently part of a winning team that won the prestigious GovHack WA People’s Choice Award for an app that matches job seekers and businesses.
GovHack, billed as the largest open data ‘hackathon’ in the southern hemisphere, is an international competition for people of all abilities who seek to make life better through innovation using open data.
Open data is collected by government as part of its normal course of activities and can be reproduced by anyone for their own purposes.
The team’s winning entry, Minterim, is a platform designed to link job seekers with businesses seeking solutions for short term tasks, without having to pay hiring fees.
“The job seeker does not get paid for the work but gets an opportunity to broaden their experience outside their existing skill set and expand their networks,” Derek said.
“Job seekers can upload their profile, and lists their skills, along with recent projects completed. Once selected for a job, the employer rates their work, and they begin to build a profile.”
“A potential future feature of the app is a ‘skill tree’ that leverages machine learning to scan CVs and job applications to help applicants visualise the skills they need for their chosen career path.”
The onset of COVID-19 was the inspiration for the app.
“COVID-19 saw many skilled workers lose their jobs with some seeing this as an opportunity to learn new skills and potentially change their career path,” Derek added.
Derek’s team, comprising business, data analysis, machine learning and project management professionals from across Australia, met virtually due to COVID-19.
This was the first year the competition has been held virtually where participants posted their profiles on GovHack’s channels to match up with other entrants with complementary skills from all over the country to form their teams.
Derek’s passion for the idea was fuelled by his own experience.
“When I first started at HSS as a Field Support Officer, I had a passion for app development, but did not have all the skills needed to apply for a position in that area,” he said.
“HSS gave me the opportunities to further my career and my team has been supportive by upskilling me, and for that I am extremely thankful.
“My desire to see people fulfil their potential and being able to give something back to the community is an exciting prospect.”
The project has been shortlisted to compete in the Australian Awards, and the International people’s Choice Award, which will be held in late October.
We wish Derek and his team the very best of luck for the national competition.