Partnership for a strong technology workforce

The partnership between the Tasmanian Government and Tasmanian technology industry is reaching new heights with a major skills and workforce development signed today to support the sector. 

The latest Industry Skills Compact brings together the Australian Computer Society’s Tasmanian Branch, TasICT and the Tasmanian Government with a shared vision for investing in the future of the industry. 

Minister for Skills and Training, Felix Ellis, said that a strong industry partnership in the form of the Technology Industry Skills Compact and associated priority action plan is a commitment to future-proofing the sector. 

“It is estimated the Tasmanian technology sector is worth more than $1.5 billion, with nearly 10,000 employees, and we know this is only going to grow into the future. 

“The pace of change is now eye-watering with new threats and opportunities constantly emerging in areas like AI, cyber security and Internet of Things technology. 

“This is exactly why we need a training and workforce development system that is accessible, job-focussed and responsive, and today’s new compact will be a key driver in this,” Minister Ellis said.  

Under the agreement, the Australian Computer Society’s Tasmanian Branch will develop and deliver career awareness programs in primary and secondary schools to create a pipeline of future workers in collaboration with industry. 

"It is vital that we support stronger pathways to jobs and skills for young Tasmanians in particular. 

"We want to promote industry-led workforce development and fit-for-purpose training that ensures new and existing employees, and their employers, have the contemporary skills local businesses need. 

“We are proud to be promoting these opportunities to the next generation of Tassie’s tech workers, and this new agreement follows the official launch of the brand new TasTAFE Cyber Innovation Hub last week.” 

“This new partnership with the Tasmanian technology industry is all about future-proofing Tasmania’s economy.” 

The Government’s 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s ICT future includes: 

• supporting TasICT with $30,000 to help deliver its cyber security conference, workforce development and student engagement; 

• delivering the Cyber Hubs Initiative; 

• the Digital Health Transformation Program, including virtual health infrastructure at 13 district hospitals across Tasmania and a new statewide Electronic Medical Record; and 

• continuing the Fisheries Digital Transition Project.