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Will digital skills lead to job security this 2022?

By Lumify Learn Team | June 22, 2022

Though home to plenty of innovative tech companies such as Afterpay, Atlassian, and Canva – Australia’s still got much to do in terms of bridging the digital skills gap. Amplified by the effects of the pandemic, demand for digital skills and talent has grown ever-more severe, struggling to keep pace with rising new tech sectors and an increasing reliance on online technologies.

As such, the world of ICT is often seen as field of great opportunity, high-paying roles, and exciting, constant developments; granting professionals the job security they need as we stride towards an ever-digital future.

Below, we break down the ways digital skills can offer you job security this 2022, and how Lumify Learn’s courses can help.

THE WORLD IS GROWING EVER-MORE RELIANT ON TECHNOLOGY

With our industries increasingly adapting to the digital age, such technical skills are set to become a mandatory workforce staple. Reports show that Australia’s current jobs are predicted to shrink by 11% (around 1.5 million workers) by 2030, replaced by technologies in artificial intelligence (AI) and automation.

Those in the finance, accounting, and procurement sectors – of which jobs rely on highly repetitive, administrative tasks – are expected to be most at risk. Professionals across all industries are thus highly encouraged to build, refine, or upgrade their digital skillsets for a stable, profitable, and future-proof career path. The “digital elites”, or those with sought-after technical skills, are additionally expected to grow by 33%.

The National Skills Commission currently deems digital and data skills as the “fastest growing emerging skills” that function as a helpful gateway to career progression and job transitions. About half of Australian industries are also reported to have cited such abilities among their “priority skills”.

Despite our rising need for technological knowledge, Australia has a way to go in keeping pace with the rapid digital transformation of business. According to recent studies by the International Data Corporation (IDC), 2026 is expected to see 130,400 new technology jobs in both Australia and New Zealand (ANZ). Yet, our workers continue to hold in-demand digital skills such as database management, cyber security and data science (among others) at a mere beginner’s skill level, and demand for such talent continues to outpace those available on the job market.

SPECIALTY DIGITAL SKILLS ARE GROWING IN DEMAND

As mentioned, those with specific digital skills are set to experience further (global and local) demand in the coming years. Such areas of growth include the rising sectors of AI and machine learning, blockchain, cloud computing, cyber security, big data, and process automation.

Technical skillsets in ICT have been in consistently high demand over the past decade; with programming and software development the most sought-after, followed by computer networking, data analysis, and digital design and marketing. Experts are also encouraging professionals to familiarise themselves with the social media landscape – of which platforms are now increasingly used among businesses and average citizens.

As work-from-home arrangements continue to form the “new normal”, cloud-related technologies are also predicted to make up 37% of digital transformation spending by 2026 – a 10% rise from 2021. Over half of the nation’s enterprises also deem cloud environments as a significant part of their digital transformation strategies.

To keep up with these growing demands, professionals are thus encouraged to upskill for an increasingly digital era. Online training opportunities are now available for individuals to build their skills from the comfort of their own home – such as those provided by Lumify Learn. Aspiring or current IT experts can easily take up courses in sought-after areas of cyber security, cloud computing, data science, and more; and flexibly build their industry credentials at a time, place, and pace that suits them best.

DIGITAL SKILLS ARE KNOWN TO BOOST SALARY POTENTIAL

With digital skillsets in high demand, it’s no surprise those who hold them are often granted higher salary opportunities. Based on recent RMIT Online research, job offers towards those with digital skills came with a 9% “wage premium”, or an extra $7,700 a year. Such numbers were greater among those working in community services or trade, of whom received higher premiums of 19% and 21% (respectively).

With the pandemic stunting the flow of skilled immigration, demand among those with digital skills have increased as a result. With a limited pool of talent to fulfill this need, companies are thus willing to raise salary offers or provide upskilling opportunities to bridge the ever-growing skills gap. Re-training employees can also reassure them that their efforts are valued, their skills are invested in, and that employers care about their professional development.

While most roles value basic digital skills in job-relevant software (i.e. Microsoft Office tools for the average office worker, inventory software for warehouse workers, social media for marketers); the ability to assess and analyse data is also a highly sought-after skill. Every job, regardless of industry, will likely deal with numerical data at one point or another – and those with the ability to interpret such information in meaningful ways can bring great value to the business.

THE AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT IS COMMITTED TO FUNDING DIGITAL SKILLS

Finally, it’s also worth noting that the Australian government has made efforts to fund and further the country’s ongoing effort towards building our digital skills. This involves millions of dollars committed to expanding the online selection of digital training courses and deliver work-based learning opportunities.

Such targeted sectors include cyber security and AI. The government plans to invest $43.8 million for the Expansion of Cyber Security Skills Partnership Innovation Fund, an initiative dedicated to improving both the number and quality of cyber security professionals in Australia. On top of this, another $24.7 million over a six-year timeframe is committed to the Next Generation Artificial Intelligence (AI) Graduates Program, helping attract and train local AI specialists through scholarship opportunities.

Additionally, the government plans to support more female professionals in building and leveraging their digital skills, helping them pursue a mid-career transition into the tech field. This includes an online platform offering useful resources to support their transition, along with coaching and mentoring services.

LOOKING TO BOOST YOUR DIGITAL SKILLS TODAY?

With such a growing, supported need for digital skills, it’s no wonder they’re often cited as the key to future job security. Both local and global technology are on the rapid incline and show no signs of slowing – so it’s best to equip yourself against rising workforce competition.

As mentioned, Lumify Learn currently offers a generous selection of online training courses across Australia’s most demanded ICT sectors – including programs in cloud computing, web development, AI, and cyber security. Providing nationally and globally-recognised qualifications, individuals can build their skills for a digital future, with the benefit of training around their personal schedule.

Progress your career or snag your dream tech job today, and enquire with us on a course.

Lumify Learn offers a wide range of courses: