Tech upskilling needed to meet demand
Australia is at a pivotal point in providing education for employability, according to UTS future skills expert Fiona Anson.
She says drastic changes in the job market during the COVID-19 pandemic highlight a need to rethink our approach to educating for employability as individuals, as organisations and as a nation.
“In the past, there was a sentiment that people could train and be set for life. But that’s not the case anymore. Jobs and the skills needed for them are changing so fast that, to stay relevant, people need to continuously reskill and upskill,” Anson said.
Anson believes three key current skills shortages will likely continue into the future.
Understanding and analysing data
We are being presented with ever-increasing volumes of data that require skilled people to access, analyse and interpret it in order for governments and organisations to make best use of it.
Anson says data specialists including data analysts, data scientists and data engineers are already in high demand and will continue to be needed in the future.
Security and risk management
A move toward a more technology-based way of life creates a greater need for both online and offline privacy.
Functions including cybersecurity and risk monitoring, management and mitigation call for specialists in this field, with ongoing demand likely.
Change management and business transformation
Highlighting the COVID-19 pandemic as an illustration, Anson says the requirement for adaptability and resilience has never been greater. That need for rapid change and innovation will only increase in the future, ensuring high ongoing demand for employees that can innovate as well as implement and champion change programs.
Anson not only encourages individuals to develop a path for reskilling and upskilling in the face these shortages, but equally for organisations to embrace an ethos of the ongoing development of in-demand skills, better preparing students and employees for future employment landscapes.
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