Australia needs 300,000 tech talents by 2030: Report

Australia is facing a critical shortage of tech professionals, particularly those with expertise in cybersecurity and artificial intelligence (AI), according to the latest findings from the Australian Computer Society’s (ACS) Australia’s Digital Pulse report. Despite the country’s technology workforce surpassing 1 million workers, an additional 300,000 people will be required by 2030 to meet the growing demand for digital skills across various sectors.

The report, released on [date], highlights the increasing challenges faced by businesses and governments in securing enough talent to keep pace with the rapid digital transformation taking place across industries. The report, authored by Deloitte Access Economics and presented by Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles in Sydney, underscores the need for urgent action to fill the technology workforce gaps.

Australia has witnessed an 80% rise in demand for cybersecurity professionals since 2020, fueled by an increase in cyber threats and security breaches across both public and private sectors. This demand is expected to grow even further, with businesses placing a higher emphasis on safeguarding sensitive data and infrastructure.

Similarly, the rapid adoption of AI technologies has led to an increased demand for skilled workers capable of designing, implementing, and maintaining AI systems. However, the number of qualified professionals is not keeping up with the pace of technological advancements, leading to a widening skills gap in these crucial areas.

The report paints a concerning picture, forecasting that Australia will need to create 52,000 new tech jobs each year until 2030 to meet the needs of businesses relying on technology to drive growth and innovation. If current trends persist, the country will face a shortfall of 300,000 tech workers by the end of the decade, threatening its global competitiveness in a technology-driven economy.

To address this shortage, the report emphasizes the potential for reskilling the existing workforce. There is a significant pool of workers in non-technical sectors, known as “near-tech” workers, who possess transferable skills and could be trained to fill tech roles. Professions such as mathematicians, accountants, and marketing specialists could be retrained to meet the demands of the growing tech sector.

With over 1.1 million near-tech workers in Australia, the report suggests that reskilling initiatives could be key to addressing the talent shortfall. These workers already possess skills such as data analysis and problem-solving, which are highly valuable in tech occupations. However, reskilling efforts will require targeted programs, including short courses, certificates, and microcredentials, to facilitate smoother transitions into technology fields.

Josh Griggs, CEO of the ACS, highlighted the need for urgency in addressing the tech skills gap. “Australia has long faced a chronic tech skills shortage, but with the rise of AI and the evolving cybersecurity landscape, it is more critical than ever that we ensure our workforce is equipped with the right skills to meet the challenges of the digital age,” Griggs said.

The report also notes that the traditional sources of tech talent—immigration and international student enrolments—are under threat. Australia has historically relied on skilled migration to fill gaps in the technology sector, but recent cuts to the migration intake and reductions in international student numbers threaten to exacerbate the talent shortage.

At the same time, domestic enrolments in IT and technology courses have decreased, with a 10% drop in enrolment in 2022 compared to previous years. This decline in interest, particularly among younger Australians, underscores the need for a shift in how technology careers are perceived by both students and parents.

According to the report, while 70% of parents would encourage their children to pursue a career in technology, only half of parents not working in the tech sector view it as a viable career option. This highlights the need for broader efforts to improve the public perception of technology careers and attract more young people into the sector.

Despite the availability of reskilling opportunities, many workers face barriers to transitioning into tech roles. The Digital Pulse report found that 38% of workers considering a move into tech careers cited a lack of time and financial support as significant obstacles to gaining new digital skills. Furthermore, 38% were unsure about how to make the transition, indicating a need for clearer pathways and more accessible resources for career changers.

Employers are encouraged to be more open to non-traditional career paths, such as those who gain skills through microcredentials or shorter, industry-specific training programs. The report stresses that these alternative education pathways should be recognized and valued by employers to help diversify the talent pool and fill the skills gap.

Helen McHugh, President of the ACS, stated that the report’s findings serve as both a reflection of past progress and a wake-up call for future challenges. “For Australia to remain competitive in the global digital economy, we need to ensure our workforce is prepared to handle the rapid advancements in AI and cybersecurity. This report provides a roadmap for the future, offering clear actions that can help address the current and future skills shortage,” McHugh said.