The Australian Public Service is implementing the 2025–30 Digital, Data & Cyber Workforce Plan, highlighting shortages in data, digital, and cyber roles and promoting upskilling, career pathways, and recruitment reform. No matter which field we work in, technology seems to be at the forefront.
At present, artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning is at the core of most digital technologies today across a variety of fields and applications. As such, the demand for those with relevant skills in the areas is welcome in most parts of the world – including Australia! But the number of engineers that are available on hand is too low compared to the demand. Why? Only ~1% of tech graduates are considered immediately work-ready, and governments are promoting ‘earn while you learn’ models and micro‑credentials to close the gap
In the past couple of years, we have seen the tide turn in favour of more robust remote digital technologies that have been enabling people all over the world to work from their homes. Scientific development in various fields, especially in extended reality, remote technologies, cloud computing, machine learning, and autonomous vehicles have increased manifold and most of these trends are sure to stay on in a post-COVID world.
Industry leaders and policymakers are calling for increased tech migration—650,000 new tech workers by 2030 is in focus—and urging urgent investment in AI infrastructure, data centres, and telecom upgrades. In fact, the Australian Academy of Science and the Australian Academy of Technology’s new joint report addresses the digital gap that Australia faces and the necessary steps it needs to take in order to embrace the digital future. Alex Haloulos, director of Sage Software opines that Australian organisations are being held back by the “lack of highly skilled workers”.
Recent industry analysis suggests digital job vacancies are ~60% higher than the national average, and digital roles are expected to grow three times faster than average through 2025. Australia needs approximately 300,000 additional tech workers by 2030, with 52,000 tech professionals needed each year through 2030 to support AI infrastructure and digital growth. Emerging fields now include quantum computing, 5G/6G networking, smart-energy microgrids, and industry-recognized certifications like Microsoft’s AI-900, which significantly boost job-readiness.
In Australia, the top in-demand skills include cloud computing, cybersecurity, data engineering & science, AI and machine learning, automation (RPA), and cloud architecture, with advanced cloud skills among the top 5 digital priorities for employers by 2025.
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