'Many Australian businesses also looking for skills in AI and big data'
Nearly two in three employers across Australia said they need cybersecurity skills, topping the list of digital capabilities sought by businesses this year.
This is according to the latest survey from Ai Group's Centre for Education and Training, which polled 251 businesses employing a total of 291,232 employees.
Based on the survey, 64% of employers said they need cybersecurity skills in their business, nearly double the percentage in 2022.
The need for cybersecurity skills surpassed employers' needs for basic digital skills and even artificial intelligence skills.
"This latest data tells us that many Australian businesses will be looking for skills in cybersecurity, AI, and big data in 2024 as they explore new technologies and look to protect their digital assets," said Innes Willox, Ai Group chief executive, in a statement.
Source: Ai Group
Greater focus on cybersecurity skills comes as some Australian organisations fall victim to cyberattacks.
Engaging with AI
Despite placing fourth, the percentage of employers seeking AI skills has risen by 10 percentage points to 30% in 2024.
It comes as more than a third of employees are using AI to develop business analytics (37%), optimise operations and reduce waste (36%), as well as automating labour-intensive processes or tasks (33%).
Some 41% of the respondents, however, revealed that they have not yet engaged with AI in their business.
According to the report, the top barrier holding employees back from engaging further with AI include insufficient understanding of the opportunities in the business (63%) and skills gaps (53%).
Willox said this indicates that a lack of workforce skills and capabilities is holding many Australian employees back from doing more work with AI.
Source: Ai Group
Upskilling employees
Employers across the world have long been urged to upskill their employees to address skills gaps in the wake of rapidly developing technology.
In Australia, three in four business leaders said they are focused on improving the digital capabilities of managers.
Another 62% said they would focus on professionals, while 56% said they would focus on technicians/trade workers.
Source: Ai Group
