Beattie announces tech skills summit

Speaking at an Australian Computer Society (ACS) seminar in Brisbane today, Beattie said the shortage of skilled workers was a national problem.

"Just about every industry these days...is highly dependent upon the services provided by the ICT sector.

"We've got to encourage more young people into an industry which, after all, is skilled, well paid and likely to continue to grow strongly," he said.

Brisbane will host a national summit in the first half of next year to address the skills challenge, according to a government statement.

"At a time when demand for ICT skills has rarely been higher, fewer young Australians are enrolling in such courses at university," he said.

Applications for University places in technology courses by Queensland's Year 12 students fell by 12 percent this year, said Beattie.

"We've also got to develop a system of accreditation for workers in the industry who don't have a university degree and whose skills are therefore not recognised through any common benchmark," he said.

In addressing the government's own skill requirements, Beattie announced Queensland Health would take up the ACS' new enterprise partner program on a limited trial basis.

The deal will see Queensland Health technology staff gain ACS membership, which provides access to professional development programs, online learning and the International Computer Driving Licence program.