Investor Updates
Australia lays foundation for ICT workforce growth
17 July 2013
Australia’s ICT workforce is expected to grow seven per cent by 2017 and the nation is laying the groundwork now to keep pace with the digital economy.
The Australian Workforce and Productivity Agency (AWPA) study shows the ICT workforce is expected to grow 7.1 per cent from 2012 to 2017 to nearly 500,000 workers and examines the key issues to address to ensure supply of domestic ICT skills.
Minister for Skills and Training Brendan O'Connor said the newly established ICT Industry Working Group will carry forward this report and address key recommendations relevant to the ICT industry.
"We are working in partnership with industry and the tertiary education sector to develop a pipeline of highly skilled ICT workers to meet our future needs", he said in a statement.
The Minister Assisting for the Digital Economy, Senator Kate Lundy, said the increasing take-up of the National Broadband Network highlighted the need for an ICT workforce that was innovative and productive.
"The nation needs a workforce that has the skills to meet the challenges and opportunities of the digital economy and we are working in partnership with industry to find solutions", Senator Lundy said.
The ICT Workforce Study is an outcome of the Australian Government's ICT Skills Forum, held in November 2012.
More information