Businesses need to address digital literacy, says AIIA

An industry collaboration has been formed to address digital literacy and help Australians prepare for the jobs of the future.

The Australian Information Industry Association (AIIA), Microsoft, Adobe and Digital Transformation Agency (DTA) are working together to urge the public and private sector to implement strategic plans that encompass digital inclusion.

These plans should also include the management of workers in transition and, more fundamentally, the upgrading of skills, education and training.

Research conducted by McKinsey based on modelled scenarios points to an increase in unemployment if Australia and New Zealand do not act.

AIIA Chairman John Paitaridis said the shortfall in digital literacy and STEM skills has enticed forward-looking companies to join forces to become part of the solution.

“Augmenting Australia’s ICT skills requires the long-term cooperation of industry, government and academia. Preparing Australia’s employees for the workplaces of the future is vital to our nation’s global competitiveness,” he said.

“We know digitalisation is disrupting industries, but it is also creating growth opportunities. If companies want to thrive, not just survive, we need the skillsets that are going to not only ride the wave of change but create it. Building the capabilities to do that must start now. It’s time to step up.”

Steven Worrall, managing director of Microsoft Australia, said, “As our economy transitions to the digital age, so too must the skills required to support the jobs of the future. It is incumbent on everyone in the technology industry, as well as individual employers, government and the education sector, to help workers prepare for the digital age.”

Microsoft Australia recently launched a National Skills Program which aims to help people already in the workforce by providing them with some of the basic digital skills required to work in the digital economy. Although the National Skills Program is a first step, Microsoft believes it is important that a collective effort is undertaken to ensure that no Australians get left behind.

“The most in-demand employees of the future are those that can fill hybrid roles — specifically, multifaceted employees that balance tech skills coupled with effective communication and collaboration,” said Tony Katsabaris, head of public sector for Adobe Asia Pacific.

“Governments and schools should nurture a workforce with agility to prepare for the jobs of the future. We in the software industry are looking far ahead to what is possible, but we also need to help businesses understand what they can do right now to prepare.”

Key industry executives will be invited to programmatic roundtables aimed at driving agreement on practical next steps.

Image credit: ©stock.adobe.com/au/SIKOV

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