What's the State of Australia's Tech Industry?

Australia is inching closer to its goal of creating 1.2 million technology jobs by 2030, with an 8% increase last year- and things aren’t slowing down any time soon.

As the number of tech jobs nears one million and continues to rise steadily, the tech industry has become the seventh fastest-growing industry in Australia. It is integral to the Australian economy. It currently employs 1 in 16 Australians and this number will continue to grow. The tech industry and the government are determined to keep the momentum going by making the technology workforce a force to be reckoned with.

Creating a thriving tech workforce

It is no surprise that tech is a fast-growing industry. Tech jobs tend to pay well, with half the gender wage gap of other industries, and these jobs are generally secure, flexible, and in demand. 

Tech jobs aren’t just restricted to the tech industry. We are seeing exponential growth in tech jobs in other industries. Technology is woven into almost every other industry in Australia, so technology-related jobs are available in retail, banking, government, healthcare, and more.

Standing out in the tech industry

It can be difficult to stand out amongst over one million other people. As the tech industry nears its 1 million goals, potential employees are wondering how to stand out in an oversaturated tech industry. The current economic crisis has increased the need to make yourself more attractive to recruiters.

You can make yourself a more competitive applicant by seeking formal qualifications in this field. Networking, dedication, and staying informed on the tech industry will also help you get your foot in the door.

The Future of the tech workforce

“Future” and “tech” tend to go hand in hand. In many ways, technology is the future. Technology isn’t confined to one industry- it has a monopoly in almost every industry, and tech experts are found in many other workforces. Technology is woven seamlessly into many aspects of life, and it is no surprise that we will soon see 1.2 million employed in this workforce. 

Australia has long been an early adopter of modern technology, and the global pandemic only accelerated this. Embracing new technology is not a new concept to us, and it is no surprise that we are expecting such a huge growth in tech jobs. If Australia stays on this track of creating a thriving tech industry, it could restructure the Australian economy for the better.

Barriers in the tech industry

Things certainly seem to be looking up for the technology industry, with over a million jobs expected to be available by 2030. But some action is needed to make these jobs accessible to the 1.2 million potential future employees of this industry.

While many jobs in this industry are filled, others require qualifications that not enough Australians have. Part of this may be that certain groups, particularly older Australians, Indigenous Australians, women, and those who live rurally find themselves under-represented in this industry. Another reason may be that many Australians simply are not aware that these jobs exist or how to become qualified for them.

The government and the tech sector and working together to address these barriers ahead of time, focusing on key areas such as increasing awareness of tech jobs, making formal education more accessible, addressing workplace diversity, targeting skilled migration to areas of need, fixing gaps in industry-level supply and demand forecasts.

Additionally, the government is focusing on the growing concern of cybersecurity. We are well on our way to building a tech industry that is agile, communicative, and adept.

Skill shortages have been the downfall of many industries, and the technology industry is not immune. That’s why tech skills have been considered a high priority in recruitment for free TAFE courses, and efforts have been made already to ensure that secure, well-paying tech jobs are available to all, despite background, education level, or location.

If Australia wants to become a dynamic powerhouse in the tech industry, it will take some organising and some work. But despite these barriers, Australia has a unique opportunity to become a global trailblazer in technology and an advanced tech workforce. With some work, Australia could soon be globally renowned for its digital talent and its ability to turn that talent into a revolutionised and advanced industry that benefits the entire economy.