The 2019 South Australian edition of the ACS Australia’s Digital Pulse report has been launched. Key findings include:
● The industry is expected grow 1.9% per annum over the next five years.
● The state’s current IT workforce numbers 36,477.
● 1,315 students completed IT degrees in SA over the five-year period 2012-2017.
● 4,179 more technology workers required in SA by 2024 to keep pace with demand.
● Only 302 students graduated with IT qualifications from SA universities last year.
Adelaide, 5th August: ACS, the professional association for Australia’s technology sector, today launched its 2019 ACS Australia’s Digital Pulse report for South Australia. The report found the state’s IT workforce currently numbers 36,477 workers.
Over the next five years, the state’s IT workforce is expected to grow 1.9% to reach 39,091 workers by 2024.
Local universities also saw a rise in domestic enrolments for IT courses with 1,675 students, up from 1,551 the year before, but international student numbers fell from 752 to 634.
Prepared by Deloitte Access Economics, the report reveals the surge of employment is exposing the state’s skills shortage despite the uptake in university enrolments.
“Meeting the voracious demands for more technology workers and increased investments from business and government will be a huge challenge,” said ACS President Yohan Ramasundara. “The current pipeline is insufficient and new pathways need to be found.”
“There are three key policy priorities for driving the growth of Australia’s digital economy, these are boosting skills, start-ups and investment - the highest priority of these is skills development,” Mr Ramasundara added.
Deloitte Access Economics Partner John Mahony said that the economic benefits of digital technologies to productivity and GDP only provide one perspective on how these technologies have led to improved living standards across the Australian population.
“There are also a range of other types of gain, such as better access to and quality of healthcare and education services, as well as non-monetary benefits such as increased choice and lower travel times,” said Mahony.
ACS Australia’s Digital Pulse 2019 report investigates Australia’s digital economy and workforce. It provides a detailed examination of digital workforce trends, aimed at informing public debate about this important area of Australia’s economy.
The full national report will be available in coming weeks.
-ENDS-
Further information
Troy Steer
Director of Corporate Affairs and Public Policy
M – 0417 173 740
E – troy.steer@acs.org.au
About ACS
ACS is the professional association for Australia's technology sector. More than 45,000 ACS members work in business, education, government and the community. ACS exists to create the environment and provide the opportunities for members and partners to succeed. ACS strives technology professionals to be recognised as drivers of innovation in our society, relevant across all sectors, and to promote the formulation of effective policies on technology and related matters. Visit www.acs.org.au for more information.