Author: Cara Jenkin
From TikTok to Netflix, autonomous cars to surgical robots – technology is playing an increasingly important role in our lives.
Behind every video shared on social media, and computerised medical tool that helps us live longer and healthier lives, is a worker with the digital skills to create it.
The digital sector is rapidly growing, and by 2027, is it forecast more than 1.2 million workers will be needed in Australia.
That means an extra 60,000 people will need to reskill and join the sector every year for the next five years, plus an extra 12,000 students will get a tech job straight after completing their study.
However, in 2019, only 7000 students graduated with an IT degree, and fewer than 3000 people completed a certificate IV in ICT.
This year, the new Federal Government has promised to help provide the extra training required so that people can get the digital skills they need to get employed.
Tech is a top priority area under its training plan, which is heavily skewed towards vocational education and training, with 465,000 fee-free TAFE places promised, compared to an extra 20,000 university places.
It will help ensure the future workforce comes within Australia and the nation can supply a better pipelines of workers, as in the past, the IT industry says it has only just kept up with demand by recruiting workers to move here from overseas.
Case study – WorldSkills Competitor, Jame McDonald.
WHAT ARE TECH JOBS?
Think of IT, and probably the first job that comes to mind is an IT support role.
Some of the other popular roles that have a shortage of workers include:
Software application programmers – these workers create computer software programs and apps. For example, they could be involved in creating and updating an app for a game or for a business, or programming a surgical robot to accurately complete surgery on a patient.
Cyber security specialist – these workers plan and implement security measures to protect networks and supports from hackers and cyber attacks. For example, they are responsible for ensuring the money in your bank account is not stolen, or the controls of a plane stay with the pilot.
UX designer – a user experience (UX) designer works on a product such as a website, game and app to provide a meaningful and relevant experience to the user, incorporating design and layout principles and functionality to ensure it is engaging and easy to use.
Database administrator – data backups and data recovery tasks are just a couple of the important tasks for these workers, who also design, develop, maintain and control an organisation’s database management systems.
Network professional – these workers keep the computer network running smoothly, testing and documenting computer behaviour, performance and security. They install and maintain servers, and ensure firewalls are up to date.
WHY WORK IN A TECH JOB?
Aside from there being lots of job vacancies, many people are attracted to a career in IT because it comes with good perks.
The average IT salary in Australia is reported to be $105,000 a year, making it the second-highest paying industry.
Research shows 49 per cent of workers are considering moving to a job in the ICT sector because it has better pay and benefits, while 32 per cent are considering it to get better hours of work, and 32 per cent want the flexibility of when and where you work.
READY TO LEARN MORE?
Complete these learning modules to identify the transferable skills that you may already have, as well as the courses that can help you to get qualified.