DTA launches new marketplace to build digital skills

The Digital Transformation Agency has launched a new marketplace to help build digital skills across the public sector.

The digital training marketplace will go live later today, as an extension of the federal government's existing SME-focused digital marketplace.

It has been developed in partnership with the Australian Public Sector Commission (APSC) to give agencies a “forum” where they can easily access “accredited digital skills training providers” to upskill staff.

The new marketplace is one of eight projects that the DTA is working with the APSC on to help develop digital skills, including a digital leadership program focused solely on senior executives.

All the projects are “aimed at giving the Australian public sector the skills and capabilities to lead, design and deliver better digital services to all Australians”.

“The Digital Training Marketplace will increase opportunities for public sector digital skill development to reduce reliance on contractors and continue to open up new opportunities for small and medium sized businesses to do business with the government,” the DTA said.

Last week the DTA called out the public sector’s reliance on contractors and the need to build and retain digital skills.

In excess of 80 suppliers have already signed up to become providers on the new marketplace ahead of its launch, with around 75 percent SMEs.

The launch of the new buying portal will also bring cosmetic changes to the wider digital marketplace platform.

Four ‘learning design standards’ will also be released alongside the marketplace “to help deliver training programs that are fit-for-purpose”.

They have been developed by the APSC and “cover agile delivery, content design,digital foundations and user research”.

A further eight strategies will follow next month.