6 ways ACS can help you upskill
Tech changes fast, and the skills you rely on today might not be the ones employers need tomorrow. ACS’s Digital Pulse 2025 shows 51% of workers are missing at least one digital skill required for their role, most often in AI, cyber security or data analytics. With skills now having a shorter lifespan than ever, continual upskilling isn’t optional, it’s necessary to protect your employability and move your career forward.
With National Skills Week around the corner, this article covers 6 ways ACS can help you upskill with confidence
1. mySFIA: Assess your skills, plan your next step
mySFIA is a skills assessment and development platform that maps your capability to SFIA, the Skills Framework for the Information Age, which is recognised by the Australian government and organisations worldwide. SFIA shows you where you're at and creates a roadmap for achieving your dream role. Workforce Development Manager Lisa Syrek at ACS says, “We are helping organisations to build future-ready workforces by assessing and training today for the skills of the future, as technology impacts all walks of life.
Why it works: you get an objective skills map and a role-aligned plan so your learning is focused, not random.
2.Skillsoft: Always-on learning for tech and leadership
ACS Skillsoft is an online library of video courses, live classes, hands-on labs, and certification prep that keeps you up to date and your career on track. Access short courses across AI, cyber security, data, leadership, and business. Prepare for credentials like AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Associate, Microsoft Azure Administrator (AZ-104), CompTIA Security+, Cisco CCNA, Google Associate Cloud Engineer, and ISC2 CISSP or CCSP
Why it works: curated, always-on pathways support continuous learning, and the mix of short courses, labs and certification prep makes new skills immediately usable on the job.
3. Professional Year (PY): Get local experience and mentoring
ACS’s Skilled Journeys 2024 found that 55% of ICT-skilled migrants struggling to find work cited lack of local experience. As Lhamo Ma, ACS Operations Manager, Professional Year, explains: “International students often graduate with strong technical skills, but need support navigating workplace culture, communication styles, and team dynamics.”
The ACS Professional Year is a structured pathway for international IT graduates that combines a quality-assured 12-week local IT internship with 13 weeks of online career mentorship and professional development, delivered concurrently. As Lhamo puts it, “This concurrent model means you’re not just gaining local experience, you’re learning how to build a sustainable Australian tech career.”
4. Certifications and SFIA Digital Badges: Make your progress visible
ACS SFIA Digital Badges are independently verified via Credly and aligned to SFIA across seven levels, so your capabilities are visible in email signatures, CVs and profiles. ACS Certifications recognise professionals as Certified Professionals (CP) or Certified Technologists (CT) through independent assessment and ongoing CPD
Why it works: quick, verified proof of your skills and level that recruiters can check in one click.
5. ACS Diploma of IT: Earn a nationally recognised IT qualification
The ACS Diploma of IT is a nationally recognised, industry-validated qualification delivered by ACS as an RTO (RTO Code #40184), specialised in AI, with coverage of data and cyber security to align with employer demand.
As Elnaz Tadayon, Manager, Professional Learning at ACS notes, “The ACS Diploma of IT is built on ACS’s proven track record in delivering industry-aligned training that leads to measurable career outcomes, such as our Professional Year Program. The design directly targets the AI, cyber, and data skill shortages identified in Australia’s Digital Pulse 2025, ensuring immediate relevance for employers. The qualification is both nationally recognised and mapped to priority skills, positioning learners for success in Australia’s fastest-growing tech roles.”
Why it works: nationally recognised credential in AI, cyber security and data that employers trust; competency-based assessment proves practical skills.
6. ACS events: Upskilling through workshops, talks and networking
ACS hosts over 600 professional development and networking events annually to help tech professionals advance their skills and knowledge and keep pace with constantly evolving business needs. Hear how practitioners solve real problems, see tools in action, and leave with practical takeaways you can apply this week.
Why it works: real examples, hands-on demos, and Q&A give you tactics you can use immediately, plus networking with peers, mentors and industry leaders.