Closing the skills gap

Until this month, we had no uniform-approach ICT curricula in higher education institutions, and no formal link connecting these institutions with industry.

Hard to believe, but true.

Now, for the first time, we have an influential group of academics who will work closely with ICT industry leaders to resolve the perceived disparity between the skills being taught in universities and the skills that are in demand by the industry to accelerate economic growth.

On February 8, the Council of Deans of ICT Education was formally established at a meeting of leaders from 31 Australian universities, each of which will be represented on the council.

The group covers several disciplines, including electrical, computer, and telecommunications engineering, as well as computer science, information technology, and information systems.

The council will work to provide students with better employment prospects, industry with stronger skill sets, and universities with more attractive courses.

Moving forward, we'll be working together to deliver more industry-ready graduates able to meet the challenges of a dynamic and creative career in the ICT industry.