NSW leads the way in tackling digital skills shortage

Media Release from the NSW Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education

MEDIA RELEASE | 29 November 2023

The NSW Government is joining leaders across government, the digital industry, and education and training providers to address the projected shortage of 85,000 digital workers in NSW by 2030.

Today, the Minister for Skills, TAFE, and Tertiary Education, Steve Whan, officially launched the NSW Digital Skills and Workforce Compact at NSW Parliament House.

This collaborative effort involves the participation of 37 compact partners, spanning across the highest levels of industry. Combined, compact partners have a reach of 1.7 million students and represent over 340,000 digital workers in NSW.

The compact will promote digital careers across the state to students, parents, and advisors, advancing tech careers in traditionally underrepresented groups such as women, First Nations people, and those residing in regional and remote areas.

The partnership will support industry in developing and implementing new employment pathways, giving new workers on-the-job training experiences to start a long-term career in the digital industry. 

The digital compact aspires to achieve the following milestones:

  • Transform the perception of digital careers, enhancing diversity in the sector, fostering welcoming and productive workspaces.

  • Collaborate with industry partners to expand and enhance new pathway programs for tech roles, including traineeships and work experiences.

  • Extend the reach of mentoring and networking programs to engage a more diverse audience.

  • Provide increased opportunities for the people of NSW to reskill or upskill in tech-related roles.

  • Establish a collaborative platform with universities, TAFE, school curriculum providers, and industry experts to create a Digital Education Forum dedicated to enhancing tech education and industry partnerships.

  • This collaborative effort marks a significant step forward in addressing the digital skills gap in NSW, ensuring a robust and inclusive digital workforce for the future.

For more information visit the NSW Digital Skills and Workforce Compact.

Sara Johnston