Key Industry Sector - Information & Communication Technologies

 

In a relatively short space of time information and communication technology has become an indispensable aspect of modern life for industry and individuals. The ICT industry provides a crucial support role for all other industries, as well as being an industry in its own right.

The industry is polarized between a large number of small and micro businesses employing a fraction of the industry's workers, and a small number of much larger organizations. The prevalence of contract-based work and the rapid rate of change in the industry present challenges for skill development, but addressing training needs is a matter of national social and economic importance.

Sectors within the ICT industry include:

ICT services and support
ICT hardware and software
ICT basic and advanced user applications
ICT development and integration
ICT analysis and design
ICT administration and management
Web and multimedia technologies
Customer contact centers

There are currently two Training Packages that detail competency standards and nationally recognised qualifications for the ICT industry.

The Information Technology Training Package ICA99 includes qualifications ranging from Certificate I in Information Technology to higher level qualifications in a range of specialisations including network engineering, systems analysis and design, website development, database administration and knowledge management. The Package is currently under review and it is expected that the endorsement process will begin soon with the updated Package being available early in the New Year.

The Telecommunications Training Package ICT02 includes qualifications ranging from Certificate II to Advance Diploma specialising in either the customer contact or technical aspects of the industry. The Telecommunications Training Package is due to be reviewed. The Review process will begin with a scoping exercise to determine the extent of the Review and the strengths and / or weaknesses of the current Package.