Australia on Track to Achieve 1.2 Million Tech Jobs by 2030 as Tech Workforce Grows 8%

Tech Job Boom: Australia's Tech Workforce Grows 8%, Setting Course for 1.2 Million Jobs by 2030

Australia's tech industry is experiencing significant growth, with the country's tech workforce expanding by 8% in the past 12 months. This growth puts Australia on track to achieve the government's ambitious goal of creating 1.2 million technology-related jobs by 2030. The Tech Council, an IT industry organisation, released figures demonstrating that the overall tech workforce has reached 935,000, compared to 865,000 a year ago. This article will explore the driving factors behind this growth and the government's initiatives to meet the increasing demand for technology jobs.

Increasing Tech Workforce and Key Factors

The growth in Australia's tech workforce can be attributed to the rising demand for professionals in various tech-related roles. Software developers, data analysts, and cyber security experts working in non-tech companies, including banks and supermarkets, have significantly contributed to this increase. These industries have recognised the importance of integrating technology into their operations, leading to the creation of new tech positions to support their digital transformation efforts.

Government Initiatives to Meet the Demand

To address the growing demand for technology jobs, the Australian government has been collaborating with the industry to train more Australians in the field of technology. One notable initiative is the surge in enrolments in Fee-Free TAFE and vocational education and training programs. This year alone, over 14,500 out of 146,000 Fee-Free TAFE enrolments have occurred in Technology and Digital courses. This indicates a strong interest in acquiring critical skills necessary for tech-related occupations, ensuring a steady supply of well-trained tech workers. Other notable institutions such as the 澳大利亚悉尼科技大学 Plus UTS Business Futures that partners with organisations to jointly create innovative, tailored learning experiences that have an immediate impact through an uplift in employee skills and capability, increasing their performance on the job.

The government has also established the Digital and Tech Skills Working Group, consisting of industry representatives, unions, and training and education sector professionals. This group is set to deliver a report on the 'Digital Apprenticeship' scheme to the government next month. Additionally, Jobs and Skills Australia, in collaboration with the newly established Jobs and Skills Councils, will provide strategic leadership and guidance to address the skills and workforce challenges faced by the tech industry.

Joint media release with the Minister for Skills and Training, the Hon Brendan O'Connor

Minister for Industry and Science Ed Husic MP emphasises the significance of the growing tech workforce and its positive impact on Australia's economy. He acknowledges that the tech sector is now the seventh largest employer in the country. Minister Husic highlights the importance of boosting the number of tech jobs, not only for economic growth but also for building stronger and more competitive Australian businesses. He underscores the value of workers with tech skills, who are highly sought after for well-paying and secure jobs. The government's focus on tackling digital skill shortages through local training, skills development, and attracting overseas talent demonstrates their commitment to positioning Australia as a global leader in digital talent and fostering a modernised and advanced economy.

Minister for Skills and Training Brendan O'Connor acknowledges the presence of skills shortages in the tech sector, aligning with the broader challenges faced by the nation. He highlights the continued demand for occupations such as Database and Systems Administrators, ICT Security Specialists, and Systems Analysts. Minister O'Connor emphasises the government's commitment to supporting the vocational education and training (VET) sector, aiming not only to secure jobs for individuals but also to provide them with a pathway to well-paying careers. The strategic investment in education and skills by the Albanese Government will equip hundreds of thousands of Australians with the necessary skills to thrive in the critical and growing tech sector.

Key Point

Australia's tech workforce has seen remarkable growth, and the nation is well on track to achieve its target of 1.2 million tech jobs by 2030. The government's collaboration with industry and their focus on training and upskilling Australians in technology-related fields will help meet the increasing demand for tech professionals. The surge in enrolments in Fee-Free TAFE and vocational education and training programs, along with the efforts of the Digital and Tech Skills Working Group, will contribute to a robust and well-prepared tech workforce. With ongoing support and investment, Australia can position itself as a global leader in technology and drive the growth of a modernized and advanced economy.