The APS “must double its digital workforce by 2030” to keep pace with demand
The Data Transformation Agency's estimates a digital talent shortfall of more than 8,000 people in Australia by 2030.
Australia is experiencing one of the most significant shifts in its public-sector workforce in decades, which is creating an unmissable opportunity for anyone considering a career in tech.
There have been increasing reports on the ever-growing skills gaps globally when it comes to tech and AI literacy, but how is this impacting sectors in Australia?
The Digital Transformation Agency (DTA) estimates that the Australian Public Service (APS) may face a digital talent shortfall of more than 8,000 people in the next five years. With digital teams expected to grow by around 7% annually, this gap is widening at speed.
For Australians looking to reskill or upskill so they can move into the tech sector, there has never been a better moment to make the move.
Written by
Rachel has over 30 years of experience in education, vocational learning, and skills development. She leads on developing the curriculums and career pathways we offer at Learning People to ensure optimal employment outcomes for everyone that learns with us.
A growing skills gap and a growing opportunity
As it stands, around 20% of APS digital and technology workers are approaching retirement. As a result, the sector faces multiple pressures to replace experienced talent while and expand its digital capability.
This isn’t just a hiring need; it’s a national priority. More than 70% of APS agencies report skills shortages, and the DTA is clear that the service “won’t be able to rely solely on the market” to meet demand. Australia needs more qualified and job-ready tech workers, and that opens doors for new entrants to the tech sector.
One of the report’s most striking findings is the geographical imbalance in the current workforce. Nearly 60% of public service ICT and digital professionals are based in the ACT, despite the ACT representing just 4.6% of Australia’s national ICT workforce. At the current pace, it could take more than a century to correct this imbalance.
For people living outside the ACT, the door to a public-sector tech career is wide open.
As hybrid and distributed work models continue to grow, so do opportunities for Australians everywhere to contribute to digital government.
The Government’s 2025 Implementation Plan: What it means for your career
The Australian Government’s 2025 Implementation Plan highlights four core areas shaping the future of digital public services. Each one directly aligns with high-growth career paths:
1. Artificial intelligence
The goal: Capturing the opportunity of AI to unlock productivity gains and deliver more personalised digital services.
This creates strong demand for professionals skilled in practical AI, machine learning foundations, and the ethical, secure use of AI in government.
2. Data
The goal: Using data more effectively to guide decision-making and better understand community needs.
This supports roles in data analytics, business intelligence, data governance, and data strategy.
3. Connected service delivery
The goal: Delivering simpler, more seamless government services.
Professionals in digital transformation, service design, product management, and project management will be central to achieving this.
4. Cyber, trust and resilience
The goal: Protecting people, businesses, and government systems from cyber threats.
Cyber security remains one of Australia’s most in-demand skill areas, with opportunities in risk management, incident response, and secure-by-design engineering.
Why now is the ideal team to reskill into Tech
This four-step plan opens up a tech-focused job surge which offers:
- Job security due to high demand and low supply of quality candidates
- Long term growth in digital roles due to Government investment
- Highly valued transferable skills from communication to problem solving
- Careers with purpose allow you to contribute to public good while building a future-proof skillset
Flexible learning pathways make it easier than ever to transition into tech. Whether you're new to the industry, returning to work, or ready for a career change, the APS and broader Australian tech sector are actively seeking people with fresh perspectives, diverse backgrounds and a willingness to learn.
Unlock your potential with the right training
At a time when Australia urgently needs more digital talent, reskilling into tech is more than a smart career move, it’s an opportunity to be part of shaping the nation’s digital future.
With our professional training courses in cyber security, cloud computing, data analytics, project management, AI and more, we can help you build the skills that Australia’s public sector is actively looking for.
If you're ready to take your next step, my team and I are here to support you with guidance, training and a pathway into meaningful, impactful work. Arrange a free no obligation call and we can discuss your exciting new future.
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