Digital skills essential in today’s workforce

From the traditional trades to roles in agriculture, aged care, nursing, childcare and community services, new technology and automation is transforming the way we work.

TAFE Queensland Business Teacher, Shane Thomas, works closely with students and employers across the region and has seen first-hand the benefits of leveraging digital skills in the workplace.

“Digital skills are relevant across all industries, and they can lead to increased productivity, resilience and sustainability for businesses,” said Mr Thomas.

“From basic skills like navigating the internet and using computer applications like Microsoft Teams, social media management and marketing, to using bespoke industry applications to help with daily business tasks like tracking, ordering materials, and creating invoices — technology influences all aspects of our jobs."

“In addition, managing data security to protect business and customer data and using Artificial Intelligence to automate business workflows are not just in the realm of IT professionals anymore. It’s important that business owners and their employees are upskilled in these areas as well.”

TAFE Queensland General Manager of the South West Region, Jenni Butler, said that TAFE Queensland can support business owners and their workforce, as well as those looking to upskill, to fill digital literacy skills and knowledge gaps.

“At TAFE Queensland, our trainers remain closely connected with their industries, this means that they’re across the changing digital landscape within the industries they teach and are committed to sharing this knowledge with our students.” Mrs Butler said.

“TAFE Queensland can help employers to futureproof their workforce, and strengthen our regional and remote communities to ensure they’re well placed to make the most of Queensland’s digital future.”

New technology also offers the chance for regional community members to take advantage of remote work opportunities. This enables Queenslanders to live in, and contribute to their local communities, without having to relocate for work.

According to the Queensland Government’s Department of Communities, Housing and Digital Economy, the demand for digital skills is at an all-time high and will continue to grow into the future.

The Department’s Digital Professional Workforce Action Plan is working to supply an additional 10,000 digital professionals in Queensland by 2024.

TAFE Queensland has recently developed a guide to help those interested in discovering more about how new technology is impacting jobs and training.  

TAFE Queensland Business Teacher, Shane Thomas, facilitated digital skills workshops during #Digitrek: Experience Digital Technology events across the Darling Downs and South West Queensland in May 2023.