Reflections from the Branch Manger - ACS Canberra

2 June 2021

Highlights

• It has been almost nine months since I have been with ACS Canberra Branch.  During that time I have had the privilege of meeting a number of members, key influencers and employers throughout the Canberra area. 
• There has been much change in the organisation during this time, but at the same time I’ve seen an amazing commitment and positive good will to the Branch. 
• Having spent much of my life connected with professional associations, both as a member volunteer and staff, I believe that these organisations are your home for life – from an aspiring to retiring professional. 
• I know that my career would look quite different if it wasn’t for the active participation with my professional association. 

But what is active participation?  Well, it is what you want it to be. 

You can participate in professional development to keep your skills and knowledge current – knowledge of your particular craft or future craft, as well as the industry as a whole.  This can be done through accessing online learning resources and webinars,  

You can participate by connecting to your peers, mentors and meet new contacts through the various events and activities the Branch hosts.  So far this year we have had close to 500 people attend our events this year.  And that does not include the activities associated with our Mentoring program.

You can participate through using ACS recognition programs to validate your competency and knowledge – ACS Certification and Microcredentials are aligned with SFIA which is the internationally recognised skills framework for our sector.  Noting that 46 per cent of IT workers do not have a formal qualification, this peer recognition of competency allows you to stand out from the crowd and demonstrate your commitment to life long learning and ethical practise. 

But at this particular point in time, I ask that you participate in the upcoming Canberra BEC elections. 

As life in Canberra is learning to live with COVID-19, the ACS Canberra Branch is reviewing how it can better serve its community – how we connect, become a life long partner in your career, and promote the sector to ensure we have the capacity and capability available for Canberra and its region for future years. 

The ACS Australia’s 2021 Digital Pulse shows that there was a jump in the ACT’s tech sector workforce of 16.3% on last year.  This is nearly four times the industry’s national growth of 4.3%.  In addition, we are expecting an annual average growth rate of 5.5% over the coming years. 

We all have a role to play to ensure that we have the pipeline of talent and the skills at both the personal and organizational levels to meet this demand. 

And the ACS will be at the forefront working with you as individuals, employers and industry stakeholders to make this possible.

Find out more about how to become a member of ACS, go to www.acs.org.au