Digital skills for jobs in Australia
09 May 2015 by News Desk
Australia faces an unprecedented period of change due to the changing nature of digital technology.
The new digital world and the emergence of the “internet of things” means that business and government in Australia now operates in an environment where traditional thinking must be challenged. That’s the view of Andrew Johnson, CEO of the Australian Computer Society, who says: “Almost every day we see new reports highlighting the challenges presented by the digital age. There will be job losses through automation and new technology, but new possibilities and opportunities are opening up if Governments can get the policy right.
“Businesses are alert to the need to reshape their models and their thinking, and individuals develop the skill sets which are critical for success in a digital world. There is now widespread agreement on these challenges. The next critical step is to discuss how as a nation we respond. And the responses are required urgently. The pace of change is dramatic and as a nation we must embrace the changes and adapt quickly. The Thought Leaders’ Summit in November provides an opportunity to have these important conversations.”
“A key focus of the discussions must be the need for a far greater focus on the Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) subjects in our education system. STEM skills, including the ICT skills of computer coding and computational thinking, will be critical to Australia’s future. Given that 75% of the fastest growing occupations will require STEM and ICT skills, we need an education system that regards these competencies as foundation skills alongside numeracy and literacy”.
