ACS backs Federal budget, with reservations

Stephen Withers
Wednesday, 11 May 2011 12:24

IT Industry - Strategy

The Australian Computer Society has welcomed the attention given to skills and education in the Federal budget but wants a more detailed strategy for the ICT sector.

The focus on skills in the 2011 Federal budget has been welcomed by the Australian Computer Society (ACS). But the Society suggests a more detailed strategy is required for the ICT sector.

ACS President Anthony Wong said, "There is a welcome focus on skills in this year's budget, including the announcement of an additional 16,000 skilled migrants to help alleviate regional Australia's ongoing skills issues. While skilled migration is encouraging to many businesses and communities, appropriate standards of practice should be applied to co-regulation between industry, the ICT profession and government. ICT skills underpin the digital economy - Australia's most critical blue sky growth opportunity."

Mr Wong noted that skilled migration is a short-term measure, and in order to develop the country's skills base to meet long-term needs there should be more focus in the national ICT curriculum to prepare students for future workforce needs. This would parallel existing proposals for science and engineering.

"The ACS is pleased to see funding for apprenticeships and mentoring. In the ICT sector, industry experience is key to employee productivity and growth," said Mr Wong. "We would like to see more attention from the government, academia and industry to provide industry experience for ICT graduates."

And there's the rub. Unless school students feel confident that they will be able to secure an entry-level position in the industry and go on to a rewarding career, they are likely to continue to shun this area of study. Increased skilled migration and ongoing offshoring by major enterprises such as banks are unlikely to engender that conference.

What else does the ACS want? See page 2.