By Kate Jacey, Director, Digital Workforce & Digital Profession Lead, Digital Transformation Agency
The Digital Profession was first established to build the capability required to support digital transformation across the APS. Six years on, the drive for transformation is not waning. The appetite for digital capability is higher than ever, impacting resource demands across both industry and the public sector.
As digital capability needs evolve, the role of the Digital Profession to help people connect, learn and navigate where their skills can take them becomes ever more important. That means creating opportunities to share expertise across the APS, understand emerging capability needs and supporting people to build and mobilise their digital skills.
One way the Profession supports these connections is through the Members Community Platform (MCP). The MCP is the online networking tool for the Professions and hosts 14 communities of interests from AI and Machine Learning to Innovation, Architecture, Cyber Security and Accessibility. You can sign up here and then select any communities you’d like to be part of. You’ll get access to interesting discussions with fellow members, along with events showcasing thought provoking work from both in and outside the service.
Some events to look out for include a discussion on data in AI analytics and our annual Department of Christmas Affairs.
The pace of change is amplifying capability demand as expectations grow, particularly as we see AI emerge as a partner in delivery for many facets of work. Demand for digital professional capability continues with particular focus on AI Specialists, Cloud Engineers, Cyber Security Specialists, Data Analytics and Scientists and System Architects.
Understanding the skills behind these roles - and how they translate across different digital careers - can help you make informed decisions about your development. Two skills frameworks that underpin the work of the Digital Profession and provide a common language for understanding digital capability. Both are recognised by the Department of Education and Workplace Relations as the preferred guides for digital skills:
- DigComp (Digital Competence Framework for Citizens) focuses on the digital capabilities required by all citizens. Developed by the European Commission, it outlines 21 competencies across five areas and eight proficiency levels, helping individuals and organisations understand and build digital skills.
- SFIA (Skills Framework for the Information Age) is designed for digital, data, cyber and AI professionals. Available through the Australian Government’s whole-of-country licence, SFIA supports workforce planning, role design, capability assessment and career development.
Together, these frameworks provide a common language for digital capability, helping employers, educators and workers prepare for the opportunities and challenges of an increasingly digital economy.
SFIA is the primary framework underpinning the role mapping in the Career Pathfinder tool. This can be a great resource if you’re interested in a career in ICT, or for those who are currently in ICT looking to mobilise their skills to different areas.