Digital literacy are now needed in two-thirds of all jobs, says one job provider. Picture: stock
More than two-thirds of jobs now require Australians to be digitally literate according to private work provider atWork.
A 2021 report by RMIT University found that 87% of jobs require digital literacy skills while four out of five businesses think it’s a priority.
However, 1-in-4 Australians reported that they felt they didn’t have the required skills, the study says.
According to atWork, even the definition of digital literacy has evolved along with the technology.
While digital literacy previously encompassed basic computer and word processing skills, workers today need to navigate a variety of platforms and devices.
According to the Good Things Foundation charity, 1 in 4 people in Australia are digitally excluded; those most at risk include the unemployed, older Australians and those on lower incomes.
atWork Australia said it had noticed a growing need for digital skills across a wide range of industries; jobs requiring computer literacy almost doubled from 2020 to 2021 (+98%) then did double in 2022 (+129%) and in 2023 (+103%) while trends for 2024 are looking similar.
The types of jobs that now require a level of computer literacy have also broadened where that may not have been the case in years gone by.
“Digital literacy skills are essential in the modern workforce, across a wide variety of roles – whether you’re working in administration in an office, or operating equipment in a warehouse,” says Shaun Pianta from atWork Australia.
“We help Australians increase their digital literacy by providing training and short courses for those seeking employment.
“We also encourage those looking for work to practice using technology at home – for example, by catching up with a friend on a Zoom call, rather than the phone – to increase their understanding.”
ADVANCED MANUFACTURING CENTRE
Digital/smart technology will feature in a new $53.95 million TAFE NSW Advanced Manufacturing Centre of Excellence to be built at Wetherill Park in Sydney.
The centre will train apprentices in advanced manufacturing across the engineering, transport and renewable energy sectors.
The centre will, among other roles, allow TAFE NSW to rapidly respond to emerging skills needs in high-technology industries and give apprentices access to cutting edge equipment and technology, including smart factories, industrial 3D printing, robotic and automated manufacturing
Funding has come from the Commonwealth and NSW governments with the federal government investing $325m under a five-year National Skills Agreement to set up to 20 TAFE Centres of Excellence.
NSW Premier Chris Minns says it will deliver the state a pipeline of skilled workers such as fitters, machine operators and welders to support an advanced manufacturing industry in the state.
“This government is investing in the future of manufacturing, so workers have the latest skills and businesses have access to talent right here in Western Sydney.”
NSW Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education Steve Whan said skilled workers are needed in advanced manufacturing to power a clean energy future, overcome supply chain challenges, and boost local production of renewable technology and products.
