Australia is in a tight spot when it comes to IT skills. The Australian Computer Society (ACS) recently teamed up with Deloitte to release the Digital Pulse 2024 report, a deep dive into the country’s tech landscape. By 2030, Australia will need an extra 312,000 tech workers—over 60,000 each year—to keep up with demand. Yet, only 10% of school-aged children show interest in tech jobs, and just half of parents outside the sector view it as a solid career choice.
Addressing this tech skills gap will take action from both government and private sectors. The ACS report underscores a real chance to grow talent within the tech industry. Currently, tech plays a vital role in Australia’s economy, contributing $124 billion in economic activity in FY23 alone. Plus, tech exports have skyrocketed by 400% over the past decade. Despite these successes, a 40% rise in ICT spending and R&D highlights a growing need for skilled professionals.
Australia has a solid foundation with over 50% of students showing stable ICT literacy levels. To tackle the skills shortage, the ACS has outlined 12 recommendations anchored in four main areas: reskilling, nurturing diversity, engaging youth, and advancing AI capabilities.
Reskilling initiatives include introducing a wage subsidy for tech reskilling to ease financial barriers for 1.1 million workers in related fields. Increasing paid internships for IT students can provide more hands-on experience while they learn. The report also highlights the need for better recognition of skills for migrants to bridge the gap between talent and employers.
Nurturing diversity means supporting women-led tech startups through grants and mentorship. This effort could boost gender diversity, especially since girls often outperform boys in IT literacy tests. The ACS also recommends enhancing digital infrastructure in regional areas to create more opportunities, especially for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Eliminating unconscious bias in hiring practices is crucial for improving diversity in tech roles.
Engaging youth involves launching a national campaign to educate parents about tech careers, helping them steer their kids toward opportunities in tech. Guidance on safe device use can foster healthier tech habits among students. Mentorship programs that connect tech professionals with schools can inspire more young people, particularly in underrepresented groups.
Advancing AI capabilities is essential too. Industry-specific AI training can help professionals in fields like healthcare and finance use this technology effectively. Furthermore, integrating AI into universities and vocational curricula will better prepare students for the challenges ahead, while business advisory networks can promote ethical AI use and governance.
The report stresses that tackling the skills shortage is a collective task requiring coordination between government policies and private sectors. It’s crucial to revitalize all pathways into tech careers, from students to mid-career transitions, and position Australia as a prime destination for global tech talent.
