$6.5 million funding boost for digital careers
The Government has announced the allocation of $6.5 million of funding over four years aimed at students in years 5 to 10 aimed at encouraging them to pursue a career in information and communications technology.
Not insecure, poorly paid or boring
The funding is part of the Digital Careers program.
“Our children are digital natives. ICT is shaping every aspect of their lives – the way they connect, learn and play,” Minister for Broadband Communications and the Digital Economy, Stephen Conroy, said.
“Despite this, too few young Australians are choosing ICT careers.
“As the digital economy grows, Australia faces a widening gap between the demand for ICT skills and the supply of qualified workers. We need to change that.
“The National Broadband Network is delivering a world class communications system to Australia, but it is only a platform - it’s what you do with it that really matters. That’s why having a workforce with the right skills is so important.
“Through the Digital Careers program, we hope to increase enrolments in ICT courses at all levels of our education system. We want to ensure that more of our best and brightest go on to enjoy careers in one of the most exciting, dynamic parts of our economy.
“Digital Careers will help students in years 5 to 10 and teachers understand the role of ICT across all industry sectors and seeks to address perceptions that ICT careers are insecure, poorly paid or boring.
“Boosting ICT skills is another key to achieving the goals of the Update to the National Digital Economy Strategy, which was released today.”