Fast-tracked ICT qualification will meet labour demands

The Australian Government has established a new fast-tracked training qualification option for the ICT sector, in a bid to meet urgent workforce needs during COVID-19 and beyond.

Demand for ICT skills and professionals has soared during the crisis, with 91% of APAC firms thrust into a remote working model overnight and cybercriminals exploiting vulnerabilities in the system.

Minister for Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business Michaelia Cash said that ensuring Australia is equipped to meet labour demands is a key and urgent priority for the government.

“Upskilling our existing IT workers and making sure that those going into the sector have the right skills needed to address Australia’s ICT challenges and opportunities is imperative,” said Senator Cash.

“The new training products will support the delivery of cybersecurity and digital skills needs training across multiple industries.

“Urgent digital skills needs will also be addressed by skill sets in the areas of cloud computing, data analysis and the Internet of Things.”

The new training products were fast-tracked by skills ministers, as well as the Australian Industry and Skills Committee, and its COVID-19 subcommittee. The updated qualifications are between a Certificate III and Advanced Diploma level.

“Responding to both COVID-19 and broader industry skills needs, these new skill sets will help address urgent skill needs in the areas of threat detection and prevention, cyber incident response and cybersecurity governance,” Senator Cash concluded.

Image credit: ©stock.adobe.com/au/metamorworks