20% Alternative Pathways Pledge

What is the 20% Alternative Pathways Pledge?

The 20% Alternative Pathways Pledge is a commitment from NSW Digital Skills and Workforce Compact Partners that 20% of all digital entry-level hires will come from alternative pathways by 2030.

It is an initiative of the NSW Digital Skills and Workforce Compact and informed by leading industry research in Accenture’s ‘Break Down the Barriers’ Report.

Opening up alternative pathways will be a vital way to expand talent pipelines and meet the 85,000 digital worker shortfall, while increasing diversity and equity within the digital industry. 

It will be a landmark commitment from the digital sector, creating lasting cultural change that will:

• Create a more equitable way of hiring talent
• Provide greater opportunity for under-represented cohorts
• Grow businesses and organisations
• Meet the needs of employers
• Benefit NSW citizens and communities
• Foster innovation and economic growth
• Ensure NSW remains competitive on a global scale 

What are alternative pathways?

Alternative pathways are non-university routes, including VET courses, traineeships, micro-credentials, earn-while-you-learn models, bootcamps, and vendor certifications. 

"Alternative pathways, such as vocational training, vendor courses, and earn-while-you-learn models, play a vital role in building our tech workforce pipeline. By opening doors to individuals from varied backgrounds and experiences, we ensure our workforce better reflects the broader community it serves. We believe (the pledge) will play a significant role in the development of innovation and growth in our sector, helping to secure Australia's digital future."

Damian Kassabgi, CEO – Tech Council of Australia.

What are the benefits of a 20% Alternative Pathways Pledge?

Modelling shows that increasing alternative pathways to 20% could unlock: ¹

• An additional 31,000 workers from diverse backgrounds by 2030
• 7% increase of women amongst new tech workers
• 4% increase of people living with disability amongst new tech workers
• Double the share of First Nations Australians amongst new tech workers.

There are significant business benefits from expanding alternative pathways: ²

• $800k per year in savings from improved retention rates
• $2.3 million in additional revenue each year, due to higher sales growth rate resulting from a more diverse and inclusive organisation
• 14% increase in worker productivity driven by a more collaborative work culture and sense of communal thriving.

¹ Accenture ‘Break Down the Barriers’ Report, 2023.

² Accenture ‘Break Down the Barriers’ Report, 2023.

"This pledge not only helps bridge the digital divide by ensuring that underrepresented groups have access to digital career opportunities, but also strengthens the community by fostering a workforce that reflects the diversity of the population. This commitment underscores CCA's dedication to building a future where everyone has the opportunity to thrive in the digital age."

Russell Hawkins, CEO - Community Colleges Australia.

Who has signed the pledge?

On 2 December 2024, 22 Compact Partners signed a commitment that 20% of all digital entry-level hires within our organisations will come from alternative educational pathways by 2030.

Our Compact Partners who have signed the pledge: 

"The 20% pledge is a game changer for VET and a catalyst to meet the projected shortfall of 85,000 IT workers by 2030." 

Max Wilson, Executive Director - Arts Communications, Finance Industries and Property Services - ITAB

How can my organisation get involved?

A public signing of the pledge by Compact Partners will be held on Monday 2 December 2024.  The signing will be a landmark commitment from the digital sector, creating lasting cultural change. To get involved, contact the Digital Compact Team digital.compact@det.nsw.edu.au.

Have questions about the Pledge?

Contact the Digital Compact Team for more information digital.compact@det.nsw.edu.au.