Resources - Articles

Government and industry join arms to fight IT skills shortage

For organisations struggling to find qualified IT staff the bad news seems to be getting worse. ICT course enrolments are spiraling downwards and the shortage of professionals shooting upwards indicate that things might worsen before getting any better.

Industry analysts report a myriad of reasons for the skills shortage: the strong economy and associated low unemployment rate; the global competition for talent; increasing dependence on technology to run business; the image of the IT profession as a career choice and an ageing population.

This is a crisis that industry and the government must tackle collectively.
According to the Australian Information Industry Association (AIIA), enrollments in IT related courses are down by 30 percent since 2000. To combat this slump the industry is attempting to change the stereotypical perception people have towards IT professionals as “nerdy males”.
Programs such as the Million Dollar Babes program which presents role models who are successful and creative innovators are pivotal in attracting young woman to IT.

“This is a welcome initiative that challenges the way we think about our workforce,” said AIIA CEO Sheryle Moon. “It is important that we do everything possible to address the stereotypes that are associated with our industry in order to attract and retain the best talent.”

The Australian Computer Society (ACS) is also attempting to attract a broader range of people into the industry and one scholarship program launched by the ACS last May aimed to attract arts and business students to undertake industry-based training.

ACS Foundation Executive Director, John Ridge, said that people in business degrees may pass on IT because they haven't done an IT degree but they could be working with IT anyway and be well-suited to the tech industry.
Federal and State governments nationwide have been studying the skills shortage. Addressing the current and projected skills shortfalls within the public service has been seen as a priority.

Responding to this The Minister for Finance and Deregulation, Lindsay Tanner has recently announced a $15 million Information and Communications Technology (ICT) apprenticeship programme - which will deliver up to 60 jobs for young people within Government agencies.
ACS President, Kumar Parakala said he is delighted with the Federal Government’s example of for the rest of the sector by focusing on developing ICT skills that are in demand.

“The APS Program is a positive step in the right direction, matching the skills being developed to those the Governments need. We look forward to seeing more apprenticeships, both in the public and private sectors, being made available to graduates,” he said.

These programs all spell good news for the future, but how do organisations fight the war for talent today? Here are our tips at Executive People:

  • Move fast: implement flexible recruitment practices so you can secure sought after candidates – fast!
  • Be flexible: one in four high technology companies in Australia are looking to introduce flexible working arrangements.
  • Think outside the square: employees are interested in non-traditional benefits e.g. industry association memberships, internet connections, gym memberships.

Training and development: IT skills don’t lie stagnate, offer training or lose out.

Contact Us

Learn more about what Executive People can do for you.
Phone: (07) 3221 2177 or email: info@executivepeople.com.au