ACS Shocked by IT Job Removal from Migration List Amid Skills Shortage
The Australian Computer Society (ACS) has reacted with surprise to the recent removal of IT jobs from the Priority Migration Skilled Occupation list. This move comes despite Australia's chronic technology skills shortage, with a projected need for 1.2 million IT workers by 2027.
ACS CEO Chris Vein expressed his astonishment at this decision, which he believes will exacerbate the existing skills gap. The society had proposed a comprehensive $1.2bn plan to tackle the issue, including boosting diversity, improving regional digital infrastructure, and enhancing IT education tools. However, it remains unclear what specific proposals ACS made during the 2022 federal election campaign to address this pressing concern.
Skilled migration has traditionally been seen as a key part of the solution to Australia's IT skills shortage. However, ACS acknowledges that it is not the sole answer. Currently, only 8,647 domestic students annually graduate with IT qualifications, a significant shortfall from the 330,000 new IT workers needed by 2027.
ACS has committed to working with the Albanese government to develop policies that support training, education, and soft skills migration in the IT sector. Despite the recent setback, the society remains dedicated to finding innovative solutions to address Australia's critical technology skills shortage.
