Amazing careers are emerging in Tassie’s growing ICT Sector

The Information Communications Technology (ICT) sector is about working with digital technology from a business perspective to remain competitive. Amazing career opportunities are available in the ICT sector like never before. Jobs that never existed 20 or 30 years ago are now seen as critical for the success of many businesses.

According to a new report, businesses in Tasmania need more skilled people to work in ICT. To learn how you can get into ICT, as well as some of the amazing jobs that are out there, keep reading.

Tasmania’s ICT Sector is growing fast

The ICT sector in Tasmania is larger than you might think – and it’s only going to get bigger. In terms of the amount of money that turns over in the tech sector in Tasmania, it’s mind-boggling. It’s estimated to be around $1.7 billion in 2020-21. This makes it larger than the ‘accommodation and food services’ sector ($1.5 billion) and the finance sector ($1.4 billion).¹

The number of jobs out there is just as impressive. In 2021, Tasmania’s technology workforce stood at around 9600 people (but guess what?) In the next five years, Tasmania’s workforce is expected to grow at 4.7% on average (each year). This means the number of technology workers will climb to around 12,362 by 2026.¹

Computer Service Technician

A Computer Technician is a professional who is tasked with maintaining computer systems, troubleshooting errors, and repairing the organization’s hardware. These professionals use their knowledge in networking and software applications to provide technical support for both employees and customers onsite or remotely

Cyber Security

Cyber Security specialists create and implement security audits across computer hardware, software programs or both – making sure the information being processed on these devices still performs as it should despite any vulnerabilities they may find in order to protect against data breaches

Data Analyst

As a data analyst, you are responsible for organising, collecting, and interpreting statistical information. You then make that information available for different businesses and organizations

Data Scientist

Data scientists combine analytical skills with knowledge of the topic they’re analysing to create models based on their study data. As a data scientist, you use these models to understand past and present situations and predict future behaviour

Front-end Developer

As a front-end developer, you create and develop the visual aspects of a website. You design the website’s appearance to ensure it is user-friendly and visually appealing

Hardware Engineer

Hardware engineers are responsible for the research, design, development, and testing of computer systems and components, including routers, memory devices, circuit boards, networks, and processors

Network Administrator

Network Administrators install and maintain hardware and software, document diagnosis and resolution of faults, manage user passwords, security and inventory documentation, ensure the efficient performance of servers, printers and personal computers, and attend to other operational tasks

Programmer

Programmers interpret specifications, technical designs and flow charts, build, maintain and modify the code for software applications, construct technical specifications from a business functional model, and test and write technical documentation

Security Specialist

Security Specialists are tasked with the creation and application of security measures to prevent unauthorized access, breaches, and other threats. They work closely with the IT and other stakeholders to find vulnerabilities, assess risks, and implement measures to mitigate potential security risks

Systems Analyst

Systems Analysts evaluate processes and methods used in existing ICT systems, propose modifications and additional system components or new systems to meet user needs, as expressed in specifications and other documentation

Systems Engineer

Computer systems engineers implement the network architects’ designs, and solve the complex problems involved in the day-to-day operations of networks. They frequently test system operations, identify security risks, and research new products or processes that will improve system function

Tech Support Specialist

Tech Support Specialists install, modify, and makes minor repairs to computer hardware and software systems. Resolves tickets representing staff-generated technical requests or problems and troubleshoots technical and process issues to maintain productivity. Maintains system functionality by testing computer components

Can you imagine life without your mobile phone? (scary huh?) It’s one example of how digital technology has become an integral part of our lives (ie, think Smart Phones, Laptops, Smart TVs, Skype, Facetime, Virtual Reality, Cloud, and so on).

The good news is that many Tasmanian businesses are active players in the digital revolution. In fact, 40% of Tasmanian technology businesses have been operating for more than 20 years. In other words, it’s a sector that has proven itself over time, and continues to grow. The areas where Tasmanian tech businesses excel include Systems Development. Programming and software development. Data and Analytics. Systems integrations, and Cyber Security.

What’s more, the local ICT sector is making a name for itself overseas. Impressively, 34% of the businesses surveyed are exporting their products and services. This includes North America, Asia and Oceania.¹

40% of Tasmania’s technology businesses have been operating for more than 20 years

60% of our local ICT workforce is employed in agriculture, finance & professional services

Where and how are Tasmanian businesses finding staff?

Digital technology is expanding all the time. 60% of our local ICT workforce is employed in agriculture, finance and professional services.¹ But there’s just one problem – there is a local workforce shortage at the moment.

It’s an ongoing challenge. For businesses looking to hire skilled ‘tech savvy’ staff, over two-thirds (68%) prefer to hire from within the Tasmanian workforce.¹ Unfortunately, many Tasmanian businesses aren’t finding enough qualified employees in the local jobs market. In their opinion, the technology-related skills they need simply aren’t there. Even worse, it’s become a barrier to growing their business.

What does all this mean for Years 9-12 students interested in a career in the ICT sector?

The ICT sector is potentially a smart career choice. In Tasmania, there are heaps of jobs across lots of industries, and it’s only going to get bigger. For more details, please see the link below. You can also download the Digital Careers information sheet to discover ICT roles in the Tasmanian State Service.

TSS Digital Careers

ICT Sector Scan

_¹ Deloitte Tasmanian technology sector market scan and capability mapping