ACS launches brand refresh and new service to drive future of ICT
ACS announces refreshed brand identity and new online assessment tool to create the environment and opportunities for members and partners to be recognised and succeed.
Sydney Australia17th July, 2012: The Australian Computer Society (ACS), today unveiled a refreshed brand identity and new online assessment tool to promote and strengthen professional excellence among Australia’s ICT industry and foster the growth of more qualified ICT leaders.
The new brand identity reflects the Society’s promise to encourage the highest professional standards and enhance ICT skills to drive the economy forward, understanding that it is the performance of people that will underpin the performance of technology. The ACS is the only professional association in Australia to provide internationally recognised, independent certification and support for all ICT practitioners.
The ACS also launches MySFIA, (My Skills Framework for the Information Age), a new self-assessment tool for individuals to assess their current skill levels across 96 ICT proficiencies and develop a personalised path for career progression.
“MySFIA is a comprehensive tool that has been specifically developed for ICT professionals at all levels, whether new graduates or aspiring CIOs. The tool not only maps individual capabilities but identifies opportunities for career growth relevant to changes in industry demand,” said ACS CEO, Alan Patterson.
In Australia ICT skills shortages continue to grow with demand expected to be up to 14,000 ICT jobs in 2012 and 35,000 by the end of 2013[1]. At the same time, one of the key challenges for professionals working in ICT is to maintain contemporary skills and knowledge whilst also preparing themselves for career roles that may not yet exist.
Based on the Skills Framework for the Information Age[2], MySFIA is the only personalised tool for ICT professionals in Australia to rate their competencies within pre-defined segments for the ICT profession[3]. The new tool also defines career roles and highlights areas for skill development, mapping out effective individual pathways toward career success.
MySFIA will also provide businesses with the capabilities to profile the skills of their ICT staff, inform decisions on hiring and promotion and assist in shaping employee development plans.
“Without continual professional retraining and career mapping, the skills of our ICT workers will become outmoded, diminishing employment prospects and job security. ICT professionals with contemporary and up to date skills are essential for the development of Australia’s $100bn digital economy[4]. Life-long skills development is necessary to provide quality assurance to businesses and employers who rely on the outcomes created by ICT professionals.
“The ACS exists to create the environment and the opportunities for our members and partners to succeed. Through our updated look and service to members, the ACS aims to strengthen the skills of Australia’s ICT workforce and take ICT industry standards to a new level through the growth of more qualified ICT professionals,” said Mr Patterson.
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Media Enquiries:
Ashford Pritchard at Launch Group e: ashford@launchgroup.com.au
P: 02 9492 1000 | M: 0411 020 680
About the ACS: The Australian Computer Society (ACS) is the recognised professional association for those working in Information and Communications Technology, seeking to raise the standing of ICT professionals and represent their views to government, industry and the community. A member of the Australian Council of Professions, the ACS is the guardian of professional ethics and standards in the ICT sector, committed to ensuring the beneficial use of ICT for all Australians. It provides both members and non-members with opportunities for professional education, networking and certification, as well as enabling them to contribute to the development of their profession. Visit www.acs.org.au for more information.