The Federal Government has convened leading industry, public sector and education representatives to share innovative approaches to developing, attracting and retaining ICT skills in the national workforce.

 

The event was hosted by Minister for Tertiary Education and Skills, Senator Chris Evans, following the Prime Minister's October forum on the digital economy.

 

Major companies including CISCO, Google, IBM, Microsoft, Telstra and Westpac joined universities, industry bodies and government to discuss ways to ensure that the Australian workforce has the ICT skills needed now and in the future.

 

A number of key themes and skills challenges emerged during discussion:

  • The interconnectedness of ICT in virtually all aspects of business;
  • The need for the industry to act cooperatively and collaboratively to clearly identify strategies to address the issues;
  • Increasing the representation of women in the ICT workplace;
  • Increasing the level of digital literacy among both industry and the wider community;
  • The critical role of teachers at all levels in inspiring students to study ICT related subjects; and
  • The challenges faced in broadening the appeal and perception of the industry as an interesting and exciting place to work.

 

"A professional skilled ICT sector is essential to the success of the Australian economy in the digital age," Senator Evans said.

 

"The discussion highlighted that there are already many successful programs and projects being adopted by industry to meet their workforce needs; including cadetships and work integrated learning.”