IBM will construct a $10.8 million IT services facility at its operations connected to the University of Ballarat, creating an additional 300 jobs.

The company already employs 817 people in Ballarat, of which it is claimed that half are either graduates or students at the University.

Big Blue is considered an ‘anchor tenant’ in the University’s technology park, a 29-hectare site located adjacent to the University campus.

Others at the park include the State Revenue Office’s collection facility, polymer dispersed LCD developer ID Technology, and the Emergency Services Telecommunication Authority.

Vice-Chancellor of the University, Professor David Battersby, said that 30 enterprises are currently located within the park, employing 1,350 people in total.

“The University is delighted with IBM’s latest business growth decision as it will enhance the levels of collaboration between the enterprise and the University,” Battersby said.

The new positions will be in areas such as business processing, security, call centre and technical support.