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Cybersecurity skills shortage an opportunity for Australia
Boosting the workforce’s digital security capabilities will deliver dividends, says ACS
13 September 2022
This morning’s news reports that Australia faces a shortage of 30,000 cybersecurity professionals is an opportunity for the nation says ACS Chief Executive Chris Vein.
“Addressing the chronic skills shortage across all technology sectors is a great opportunity for Australia,” Mr Vein said.
“Our annual Digital Pulse report forecasts the nation faces an annual shortage of 60,000 technology workers across all disciplines and the increasing demand for cybersecurity experts means the forecast gap is quite feasible.
"While daunting, this demand is a great opportunity for Australia. If we can meet this demand, we are going to get more Australians into high-paying technology roles and give industry and government the ability to protect our nation’s IT systems.
“Technology powers Australia, and it’s critical the systems that support the nation are safe and secure so ACS has been working with the federal and state governments to offer pathways for workers to enter the cybersecurity field.
“This year ACS worked with the Queensland government to see a Certificate IV in Cyber Security offered as a traineeship. The program was launched earlier this month and we see it as an important step in helping the state meet its technology security needs.
“Nationally, ACS sees the digital apprenticeship program as another key measure in helping the nation meet its technology workforce and we look forward to working with the federal government in developing the program.”
The 2022 ACS Digital Pulse report, prepared annually by Deloitte Access Economics, found nearly half of Australia’s professional services workforce are interested in moving into the technology sector, attracted by higher wages, better career prospects and more challenging work. Enabling these workers to make the change will help the nation meet the sustainability and economic challenges of the 21st century.
“We have a great opportunity in Australia to build a digitally capable workforce and cybersecurity is a key part of meeting that challenge. We hope more Australians, young or old, consider joining what is one of the fastest growing parts of the economy.” Mr Vein concluded.
-ENDS-
Director of Corporate Affairs and Public Policy
About Us
ACS is the professional association for Australia’s technology sector and the largest community with 47,000+ members from across business, government and education.
ACS champions the technologies, people and skills critical to Australia’s future, creating value for ACS members, the tech sector and society in four ways:
Community
Our focus is on fostering an innovative and inclusive community that is dedicated to powering positive change through technology.
Capability
We set the standard for assessing, developing and recognising the skills and experience of technology professionals.
Career
We create career pathways to guide technology professionals and ensure Australia has a pipeline of talent with the right skills and knowledge.
Migration
We assess and support skilled technology migrants to address critical skills shortages, improve diversity and enrich Australia’s workforce.
Find out more at: acs.org.au