Demand for information and communication technology (ICT) workers in Australia is growing, with over 1.2 million ICT workers expected to be needed nationally by 2030. But based on current supply, the country is anticipating a shortfall of 186,000 workers – 85,000 in New South Wales alone.

Macquarie has long been a leader in ICT education, attracting students from all over the world to its IT degree programs and ranking in the world’s top 50 universities for Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (QS Subject Rankings, 2024).

To help the Government address Australia’s digital skills gap, Macquarie is partnering with other ICT leaders to deliver an innovative suite of microcredential and microskill courses at the Institute of Applied Technology – Digital (IAT-D).

Opened in early 2023, the Institute brings together experts from Macquarie University, the University of Technology Sydney, Microsoft and TAFE NSW to co-design and deliver more than 50 short courses across key digital skills areas:

• Artificial Intelligence
• Data analytics
• Cyber security
• Cloud computing
• Software programming and web development

Suited to people who want to upskill or reskill, the courses are available online or at the Institute’s purpose-built campus within the Government’s $154 million Meadowbank education precinct, not far from Macquarie.  The Institute features cutting-edge technology and facilities including state-of-the-art cyber range training centre (CRTC) and ‘AnyTown’, a 64-square-metre ‘mini city’ that stands as a physical representation of cyber attacks and defences during simulation exercises.

The courses range from five-hour microskills programs (which are currently being offered for free) to 6-8 week microcredentials costing $AUD180 for foundational level microcredentials and $AUD360 for intermediate level. Credentials completed at the IAT-D may be applied towards further certificate, diploma or bachelor degree study at Macquarie University or the Institute’s other educational partners.

More than 40,000 students have enrolled at the Institute since its opening in early 2023, with females making up over 40 per cent of enrolments. A $2.35 million Federal Government grant is supporting one hundred scholarship places in the Institute’s cyber security courses this year. These scholarships target cohorts traditionally underrepresented in STEM, including women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, the neurodivergent, and people in regional areas.

Alumni who are interested in upskilling or reskilling with digital skills can find out more on the Institute of Applied Technology – Digital website.