NSW Digital Skills and Workforce Compact 2023-30

Overview

The Compact combines the resources, knowledge, and expertise of the NSW Government, employers, digital industry groups, and the education and training sectors. It brings a collaborative, integrated approach to address the expected shortage of 85,000 digital workers by 2030 (ICT Industry Landscape Report, 2022).

This approach to skills and workforce development is unique to NSW. It focuses on innovation and collaboration, not business as usual.

The Compact has six pillars of action which will help improve how we attract, train, recruit, develop, and keep talent. The Compact aims to make structural changes in the digital ecosystem. This includes small businesses, major tech employers and organisations that heavily rely on digital talent.

Compact Launch

The Compact Launch was held on November 29th 2023 to celebrate the achievements and commitment from all Compact Partners, to work in innovative and collaborative ways to address the projected shortage of 85,000 digital workers in NSW by 2030. 

Key attendees:

• The Hon. Steve Whan MP, Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education of NSW
• Murat Dizdar PSM, Secretary at the NSW Department of Education
• Chloe Read, Deputy Secretary, Education and Skills Reform at the NSW Department of Education
• Suzie Matthews, Executive Director, Skills and Pathways at the NSW Department of Education
• Steven Worrall, Chair of NSW Skills Board & Managing Director of Microsoft ANZ

The 6 Pillars of Action

1. Change the way people think about digital careers
2. Plug the leaks in training and careers
3. Drive diversity in the digital workforce
4. Help people move into digital training and jobs
5. Make training more responsive to industry needs
6. Use government levers to drive digital job growth

2023-25 Action Plan for the NSW Digital Skills and Workforce Compact

The Digital Compact's 2023-25 Action Plan sets out 8 projects that will be implemented collaboratively by Compact Partners.

• Project 1: Codesign and deliver a marketing campaign uplifting perceptions of digital careers.
• Project 2: Map and progress opportunities to improve retention in digital tertiary education and early careers.
• Project 3A: Utilise better data on diversity in the Digital workforce.
• Project 3B: Drive diversity in the Digital workforce through mentoring and networking programs.
• Project 4A: Enhance and significantly expand digital traineeships, leveraging existing programs.
• Project 4B: Facilitate reskilling opportunities
• Project 5: Establish a Digital Industry-Education forum
• Project 6: NSW Government levers to support the Compact and Action Plan Outcomes. 

Key documents

• NSW Digital Skills and Workforce Compact 2023-25 Action Plan
• NSW Digital Skills and Workforce Compact 2023-30
• ICT Industry Landscape Report

NSW Digital Skills and Workforce Compact Partners

Get Involved

The NSW Digital Skills and Workforce Compact (the Compact) is an inclusive cross-sector collaboration working to address NSW’s digital skills needs, and welcomes the involvement of new organisations. The success of the Compact hinges on the diverse contributions from stakeholders across the digital landscape, reflecting our commitment to benefit all citizens, organisations, and employers impacted by the digital skills shortage.

Joining the Compact offers two distinct levels of participation, each fostering collaboration and expertise exchange on a voluntary basis.

Stage 1: Digital Compact Contributor

Organisations new to the Compact begin their involvement by applying to become Compact Contributors. Here’s what it entails:

• Nominate one or more projects you would like to participate in.
• Showcase how your organisation’s strengths, resources, and expertise align with your nominated projects in your application.
• Your application will be submitted to the relevant Project Chairs, who will assess it with consideration towards their team’s capacity and skill gaps. If your organisation is unable to join during this first stage, there may be an opportunity to join further along in the Compact’s lifecycle.

Stage 2: Digital Compact Partner

For Compact Contributors dedicated to sustained involvement and embodying the Compact’s ethos, there’s an opportunity to advance to Compact Partner status. Here's what it entails:

• Applications for Compact Partner status undergo review by the Compact’s Steering Committee every 2-4 months.
• Formal recognition in Compact branding, communications, engagement, and governance awaits successful applicants.

Application Process

Interested Contributors and potential Partners can apply by completing this application form. The NSW Department of Education’s Compact Enablement Team will arrange an initial briefing.