It Market Hits Temporary Slump

The Australian tech sector has faced its share of turbulence over the past few years, with shifting market conditions, global economic pressures, and workforce changes reshaping job demand. But while some reports have suggested a downturn, the full picture of Australia’s ICT (Information and Communications Technology) job market is more nuanced—and not without opportunity.

If you’re considering a career in tech, or wondering whether to reskill or upskill in the industry, here’s what you need to know about where the market stands now and where it’s headed.

Short-Term Fluctuations vs. Long-Term Growth

Like many industries, Australia’s IT sector experienced temporary slowdowns during the global economic uncertainty of 2023–2024. Some areas saw reduced hiring in permanent roles, especially for entry-level networking and helpdesk jobs. Mid-level professionals also faced increased competition, and salary growth slowed in several tech disciplines.

But the story doesn’t end there. Despite short-term lulls, the long-term outlook for tech in Australia remains strong. According to Jobs and Skills Australia, employment in the ICT industry is expected to grow steadily through 2030, driven by the ongoing digital transformation of business, government, health care, and education.

The Digital Skills Gap in 2025

The biggest concern facing the tech industry today? A shortage of skilled professionals.

The Australian Computer Society (ACS) has consistently flagged Australia’s growing digital skills gap. As of 2024, Australia needed an estimated 60,000+ new tech workers annually to meet demand, yet domestic training and graduation rates have struggled to keep up.

Only around half of students enrolled in ICT courses complete them, and enrolment numbers remain below what’s needed to meet employer demand. The result? Strong job prospects for those who do complete their training—especially those with versatile, up-to-date skills.

High-Demand Areas in ICT Right Now

Despite soft spots in some entry-level roles, these tech specialisations continue to show strong and growing demand:

• Cyber Security: With cyber threats on the rise, both government and private sector employers are investing heavily in security roles.
• Cloud Computing: Skills in AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud are among the most sought-after in 2025.
• Data Analytics and AI: Companies are hungry for professionals who can collect, interpret, and act on data.
• Software Development: Full-stack and mobile app developers continue to enjoy high employment rates.
• Project Management and Business Analysis: As digital transformation projects scale up, skilled managers are in demand.

Employers are also increasingly looking for candidates with “soft” or transferable skills—such as communication, critical thinking, and collaboration—to complement their technical expertise.

How to Stand Out in a Competitive Tech Market

If you’re entering or re-entering the ICT workforce, here’s how to improve your employability and ride the next wave of industry growth:

✅ Diversify Your Skill Set

Today’s IT roles are hybrid. Employers value candidates who can adapt across disciplines—such as combining cybersecurity knowledge with data analytics, or pairing cloud skills with business acumen.

✅ Complete Your Qualifications

With dropout rates in tech courses remaining high, completing your studies sets you apart. Online learning platforms now offer flexible pathways to finish your qualifications while working or balancing other commitments.

✅ Get Industry-Certified

Certifications like CompTIA, AWS, Microsoft, and Cisco remain highly valued by employers and often lead to faster job placement or promotion.

✅ Stay Current

Tech moves fast. Continuous learning—through microcredentials, short courses, or industry webinars—can help you stay ahead of the curve.

Thinking About a Career in IT?

The ICT sector isn’t in freefall—it’s evolving. While some roles face automation or redundancy, new ones are emerging just as quickly. Now is the time to build your capability in areas with long-term demand.

Browse our range of online IT courses to find nationally recognised training in areas like cloud computing, cybersecurity, AI, data science, and more.

Or check out our full catalogue of online courses to explore flexible study options across business, project management, and digital skills that complement tech pathways.