2023's Top ICT Skills in Demand in Australia - Face the Challenges Head-on with Lumify

Published initially on TechDay, Gary Duffield, Head of Vendor Partnerships at Lumify (formerly known as DDLS), shares our team's take on the top ICT skills on demand in Australia, along with a list of critical soft skills to develop in 2023.

2023's Top ICT Skills in Demand - Facing the Challenges Head-on with Lumify

We just welcomed the new year. And like many, the Lumify Team (previously known as DDLS) has carved out time to set goals and review milestones.

Part of this review includes discussions on people's career development and the skills they will need for the year ahead.

While we cannot predict the future as accurately, it is what we make it. And it is critical to understand the skills with the most demand this year and the trends that factor into them.

Top Tech Skills in 2023

Last October, the National Skills Commission released the 2022 Skills Priority List (SPL). This list identifies occupations in Australia that are in shortage today, shedding light on future demand.

The 2022 SPL indicates shortages in 286 occupations (a jump from 153 in 2021). And in its top 20, Software and Applications Programmers rank second. With ICT Business and Systems Analysts and Contract, Program and Project Administrators at 8 and 13, respectively.

Here, we dive into the details of the top technology roles based on the SPL and insights from customers.

1. Project Manager
   More traditional project management disciplines such as PRINCE2 remain consistently strong, with most people who undertake training achieving Practitioner levels of knowledge. Agile methodologies are snapping on the heels of waterfall project management methodologies. Deciding which training path to pursue is key. The Institute of Project Management notes that project managers are responsible for directing the consumption of financial, material, time and human resources towards change and transformation initiatives.

2. Service Desk Analyst
   As organisations have embraced cloud technologies and, in some cases, depreciated on premise technology, service management is more important than ever. ITIL Foundation remains the most popular course in every Lumify location.

3. Cyber Security
   Cyber Security training is the fastest growing portfolio in Lumify. We’ve seen demand in end-user awareness at one end of the risk spectrum, through to the CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional) certification that has a high barrier to entry. It is evident that the market is tuned in to the risk of not acquiring cyber skills.

4. Business Analyst
   BA has aways been a strong performer for Lumify. We anticipate, on the back of a course update, AgileBA to be in demand this year. This could be driven by the need to maintain control over resources in this uncertain market. A Business Analyst's responsibilities include analysing and monitoring data and then using it to make informed decisions regarding business processes and where an organisation can improve.

5. Cloud Computing
   It’s been five years since we saw the pivot from mostly training for on-premise technologies to acquiring skills for cloud-based technology. A key change here has been the rise of demand in the SMB space, as smaller organisations see the value. There is also a focus on cloud expertise in the top four cloud vendors: AWS, Microsoft, Google Cloud, and VMware.

Top Soft Skills in 2023 and Beyond

As hybrid work and digitisation projects kick into high gear, the need for soft skills cannot be overstated. Deloitte Access Economics forecasts that soft-skill-intensive occupations will make up two-thirds of all jobs by 2030.

Based on the high volume of requests for professional development training, we have found these to be the top soft skills.

1. Teamwork
   With teams from separate locations, time zones and cultures, collaboration skills are essential. You can gain the skills needed to build teamwork through training on Facilitation, Managing the Virtual Workplace, and Dealing with Difficult People.

2. Communication
   As technology professionals influence business strategy, their ability to communicate becomes more critical. Learning Communications Skills, Presentation Skills, Active Listening and Business Writing helps professionals get their point across to different stakeholders about very technical project updates.

3. Adaptability
   In the last three years, we have seen the VUCA world in action - volatile, unpredictable, complex, and ambiguous. Organisations and people need to be able to adapt. But not everyone can naturally cope in the face of adversity. It takes skill, practice and community. Professionals can strengthen their adaptability muscles with training in Emotional Intelligence and Resilience.

4. Time management
   As we explore emerging technologies, responsibilities will pile up, and the lines between roles will blur, so Time Management skills are crucial. Professionals can and should learn to estimate the time and resources needed, delegate tasks, manage meetings and manage crises for complex projects.

5. Interpersonal skills
   Many of our students have found themselves managing the technology AND managing relationships with vendors and partners. So interpersonal skills will come into play more frequently. IT professionals are expected to contribute to recruitment, bidding and negotiation decisions too. Growing ICT departments branching out to different focus areas require that you develop staff with leadership skills and coaching and mentoring skills.

There’s some light at the end of the tunnel. The skill shortage is expected to ease, albeit gradually. And while there are those tasked to find solutions to it on the national level, you can take immediate actions for your organisation or for your career.

Employers can strengthen their Employee Value Proposition (EVP) to align with current staff priorities. Part of this EVP should be embedding skills training into the culture. And employees can plan for their learning goals for the year to improve their technical capabilities and soft skills.

Meeting the demand with Lumify

Over the past 30 years, DDLS has expanded its services into new industries and regions. In December 2022, we consolidated all this growth under one roof -- the Lumify Group.

Lumify means ‘to illuminate’, chosen to reflect our belief in the power of learning and its ability to enlighten and transform. It is based on two components: ‘lum’ meaning bright and clear, and ‘Ify’ meaning to cause to become.

We aim to provide customers with access to our broader offering. With one brand, no siloes, 700+ ICT courses, ten campuses in the Asia Pacific and the many trainers you love, we look forward to supporting you in 2023 and beyond.

If you'd like more information about our new look and new name or about our courses, feel free to contact our team.