Evolving with the times: The changing face of the Australian IT workforce

The Australian IT industry is evolving rapidly as businesses across all industries move towards digital systems and ways of working. This digital transformation means Australia’s IT workforce now faces shortages of key digital skills such as cyber security. 

Ensuring your IT workforce is adequately trained for the digital challenges your business faces now and in the future will provide you with a competitive advantage.

If you’re interested in the evolution of Australia’s IT workforce and the potential impact developments could have on your business, this article explores changes in IT and how the sector is adapting. 

The emergence of non-traditional roles 

Marketplace shifts and technological developments in the IT sector have driven the emergence of non-traditional, specialist roles. 

For instance, demand for cyber security professionals has increased dramatically due to the growing cost and prevalence of cybercrime. The average cost of a cyberattack to businesses in Australia is $276,000, with instances on the rise. 

If you’re a business owner and want to equip your staff with the skills required to succeed in cyber security, consider enrolling them in a Graduate Certificate in Cyber Security with the University of Adelaide. To learn more about this qualification, speak to one of our enrolment advisors on 1300 241 539 or book in a call today.

Additionally, many people are working from home due to the COVID-19 pandemic which has made IT systems more vulnerable. As a result, the cyber security workforce will have a crucial role to play in protecting IT systems from attack. 

A growing skills gap 

The pace at which the Australian IT industry is evolving has left many employees lacking in relevant skills and qualifications, creating a shortfall in the supply of IT talent. This means businesses often struggle to hire suitable workers. In a survey of professional employers in Australia, more than 80%reported finding it hard to hire staff with the right skills. 

Despite the challenges associated with this skills gap, it could give IT professionals with in-demand skills an advantage. By developing the competencies businesses are looking for, you’ll be perfectly positioned to advance your career in IT.  

Workplace support for training 

The IT workforce can’t be expected to adapt to disruptive industry changes without employer support. Rather than limiting staff members’ ability to grow and learn as the IT sector evolves, workplaces should encourage and support them to undertake training and self-development. 

Employees are a business’s biggest asset, and investing in their talent is crucial to sustaining growth. In fact, LinkedIn’s 2018 Workplace Learning Report found that 98% of employees would be more willing to stay with a business that offered self-development opportunities. 

Increased need for upskilling and formal qualifications 

Although all industries face change, the IT sector is often at the forefront of major developments and regularly spearheads transformative technologies. As technology cycles shorten, it’s becoming increasingly important for IT professionals to have up-to-date qualifications. 

Even IT workers who already have a qualification could benefit from completing additional studies. When IT professionals learn new skills, they become more agile and better prepared for the rapidly evolving landscape of the IT sector. 

Whether you’re an IT professional looking to progress your career or an employer aiming to grow your IT workforce, it’s in your best interest to gain the skills and qualifications needed to be at the forefront of developing areas in IT, particularly cyber security.