What's Happening?
The Digital Transformation Agency (DTA) has released a report highlighting the need for the Australian Public Service (APS) to double its digital workforce by 2030. The report predicts a shortfall of 8,000 qualified technology workers unless recruitment
rates increase. Currently, there are 7,876 technology employees in the Commonwealth public sector, with expectations of 3,944 new workers joining by 2030. However, 4,246 tech employees are predicted to retire or leave due to attrition. The DTA emphasizes the need for government departments to rethink recruitment strategies and broaden education pathways to bridge digital skill gaps. The agency also recommends reskilling current employees and diversifying the geographic distribution of the workforce to address talent shortages.
Why It's Important?
The DTA's report underscores the critical need for a robust digital workforce to manage and upgrade legacy government systems. As technology continues to evolve, the demand for skilled workers in configuration, integration, and data migration will increase. The APS's ability to attract and retain digital talent is crucial for maintaining operational efficiency and meeting future technological demands. The report highlights the importance of strategic partnerships with Vocational Education and Training (VET) providers to align training with specific capability requirements, ensuring a sustainable talent pipeline.
What's Next?
The DTA recommends promoting remote work and advertising technology roles outside the ACT to alleviate the talent war among agencies competing for Canberra's limited pool of technology workers. The agency suggests that the APS could benefit from strategic partnerships with VET providers to align training with specific capability requirements. These steps are aimed at ensuring the APS can meet its digital workforce requirements for the future.
Beyond the Headlines
The report highlights the ethical and cultural dimensions of workforce reskilling, emphasizing the need for inclusive education pathways that cater to diverse backgrounds. By broadening recruitment strategies, the APS can foster a more diverse and inclusive workforce, which is essential for driving innovation and addressing complex challenges in the public sector.
