Report reveals lack of basic digital skills put Australian companies at risk of revenue loss

Lack of support from employers is holding back staff growth

The tech industry currently contributes nearly $134 billion to the Australian economy and employs more than 1 million people and is set to need an additional 230,000 workers by 2035. On top of this, 77% of tech workers believe they have at least one inadequate digital skill including areas such as cyber security, data analytics & visualisation, and AI and machine learning. 

With the market for agentic AI predicted to reach $317 billion AUD by 3034 it’s only highlighting a dire need for upskilling within the workplace. It’s estimated that there could be up to a 30% increase in the effective use of technology if businesses try to close the skills gap. 

Some of the biggest roadblocks for employees not upskilling are the cost of training (36%) and lack of employer support and funding (21%). This data is a clear sign that businesses need to be supporting their workers in improving their digital skills making it a priority for staff retention and development. 

The lack of faith doesn’t just impact mid-level employees, the report also revealed that 45% of C-suite leaders have a ‘basic’ level of digital skills. This is an alarming number as it is crucial for senior management to understand the impact of these technologies on their businesses. 

 

Upskilling is the key to an uplift in productivity

"productivity gains are achieved when there is deep connection between education and training and its practical application in the workplace context.

We cannot afford to ignore our current and future skills needs challenge, because it is the key to lifting productivity and delivering higher wages and prosperity at a national and individual level".

 

Affordable solutions to propel your business

With the biggest areas of digital skills growth lying in AI, cyber security and data analytics, our bespoke training pathways are created to upskill your workforce and prepare your company for the Australian tech boom. 

Our business solutions even cover Senior Leadership Development so you can have a top-down approach to your digital understanding. We’ve successfully worked with over 920 corporate clients in during out 15 years’ experience in the tech industry. 

Why not arrange a free call to discuss your business needs to we can create a bespoke plan to help you retrain your employees with the most sought-after globally recognised qualifications in cyber security, data analytics, ai and more. 

How we can help you

I spoke to our Corporate Learning and Development Manager about his thoughts on the report and he said: “It is imperative for businesses to have a better understanding of the digital landscape. With increasing cyber-attacks threatening precious data and the rise of agentic and generative AI to streamline workflows, many businesses risk being left behind.

Employees are also at the risk of leaving if they don’t feel supported or challenged in their roles and with tight budgets a lot of businesses cannot afford to rebuild their workforce, so a more viable alternative is to upskill the one they already have.

This report only highlights the desperate need for a wider understanding of even the most basic digital skills and understanding and I am more than happy to help companies achieve that.”