The Victorian Coalition Government yesterday presented its Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) Workforce Development Plan aimed at increasing the interest of Victorians of all ages in studying and taking up a career in ICT and building closer relationships between business and education providers.
According to the media release by The Premier of Victoria, the $3 million ICT plan encompasses a suite of actions targeted at three strategic objectives — overcoming misconceptions and increasing awareness of ICT careers; optimising the contribution that ICT can offer to businesses and improving the alignment between ICT qualifications and business requirements.
Speaking at the Victorian iAwards dinner on Wednesday, Minister for Technology Gordon Rich-Phillips highlighted the importance of the state’s information technology workforce and skills.
“Information and communication technology now plays a vital role in virtually all businesses and will continue to drive Victoria’s economic growth, innovation and productivity. More than ever, it is critical that Victorian businesses are able to find the people with the right technical and other capabilities to compete on a global stage, and the Napthine Government’s Plan will help ensure that the future supply of ICT skills is built with local Victorian talent,” Mr Rich-Phillips said.
“Although we know ICT careers offer excellent financial incentives and opportunities, businesses often find it difficult to recruit workers with the required ICT skills. With ICT roles approaching 5% of total employment in the state, we want to create a skills pipeline in Victoria which guarantees a strong supply of workers with training and qualifications attuned to the needs of business. I am extremely grateful for the extensive work and advice of the ICT Skills Subcommittee over the last 12 months, which has ensured that the ICT Workforce Development Plan and actions are relevant to current needs.”
Link to ICT Workforce Development Plan: www.dsdbi.vic.gov.au/our-department/strategies-and-initiatives/victorian-ict-workforce-development-plan
