Govt assesses ICT skills shortage

The Federal Government has set up an initiative which aims to pinpoint what are the emerging areas of ICT skills shortages.

This includes developing a formal process -- which involves the industry -- and will look at both new challenges facing the ICT sector, and emerging areas of skills shortages, according to a statement issued by Daryl Williams, Minister for Communications, IT and the Arts.

"This process will provide an analysis of emerging ICT skills requirements that could be used to design university courses and on-the-job training programs," said Williams.

In addition, the Federal Government has also set up a working party that will look at the challenges facing Australian software developers trying to compete internationally.

"For example, while Australian software development is generally recognised as being of high quality, it appears many companies may not be realising the possible benefits of having their processes accredited to the highest international standards," Williams said. "This may be affecting the ability of Australian software developers to win work from customers that demand quality assurance."

The working party is made up of industry representatives and experts in accreditation, according to the statement. It will look at issues such as the existing levels of accreditation of software developers. The working party will also assess how accreditation impacts successful business sales, and costs of accreditation. It is expected to report to the Federal Government by the end of October.