Celebrating National Skills Week: Five ways to upskill for career success
Australia's National Skills Week is an annual celebration that highlights the importance of upskilling in fostering the nation’s workforce. This week emphasises skill development across various sectors, reinforcing the value of continuous learning in a rapidly evolving job market. Among the many organisations supporting National Skills Week, ACS stands out for its commitment to nurturing both technical and non-technical skills in the digital era.
The Importance of National Skills Week
National Skills Week, held every August, serves as a platform to promote the diversity and importance of skills-based careers. It seeks to raise awareness about the opportunities created through upskilling, aiming to inspire individuals to embark on or enhance their careers through skill development. With the technological landscape constantly shifting, the focus on skills is more crucial than ever, ensuring that Australia remains competitive on a global scale.
ACS: Championing the skills critical to Australia
ACS plays a pivotal role in supporting individuals and organisations in Australia’s technology sector. As the professional association for Australia’s tech workforce, ACS is dedicated to advancing the interests of its members and the broader community through a variety of initiatives. These initiatives are designed to equip members with the necessary skills to thrive in an increasingly digital world.
Technical Skills Development
1. Certification Programs
ACS offers a range of certification programs that validate the technical expertise of professionals. These certifications cover areas such as cybersecurity, data analytics, Cloud computing and more, ensuring members remain at the forefront of technological advancements.
2. Training and Workshops
ACS organises a variety of regular training sessions and workshops to enhance technical proficiency. These events cover the latest tools, technologies and methodologies, providing hands-on experience and practical knowledge.
3. Digital Learning Platform
Through its digital learning platform ACS Skillsoft, ACS members have access to a plethora of online courses and learning resources. ACS Skillsoft enables continuous learning, allowing individuals to upskill at their own pace and convenience. With over a million unique learners each year, ACS Skillsoft is the go-to learning platform for ACS members to gain their competitive edge by mastering a new skill today for free.
Non-Technical Skills Development
1. Leadership and Management
ACS recognises the importance of non-technical or interpersonal skills in today’s workplace. Programs focused on leadership, project management and strategic thinking are offered to help ACS members navigate complex business environments.
2. Communication and Collaboration
Effective communication is crucial in any profession. ACS offers workshops and learning and development courses that emphasise interpersonal skills, teamwork, and collaboration, ensuring that members can work effectively in diverse teams.
3. Ethics and Professionalism
Upholding ethical standards is a core value of ACS. The society provides guidance and training on maintaining professionalism and ethical conduct in the tech industry, promoting a culture of integrity and trust. Learn more about the Professional Standards Scheme.
Supporting Diversity and Inclusion
In line with National Skills Week’s goal of promoting diverse career paths, ACS is committed to fostering an inclusive environment in the tech industry. Initiatives aimed at supporting underrepresented groups, including women in tech and First Nation Australians, are integral to ACS’s mission. By championing diversity, ACS ensures a broad range of perspectives and ideas contribute to technological innovation.
Future-Ready Workforce
As Australia looks to the future, the importance of a skilled workforce cannot be overstated. ACS’s comprehensive approach to skills development ensures that its members are well-equipped to tackle the challenges of tomorrow. Through technical and non-technical skills development and programs such as the ACS Professional Year in IT, ACS powers Australia’s technology brilliance.