Would you like to work in an industry that's constantly innovating, and offers a fantastic range of career opportunities?
Want a job where you get to solve problems, help people, and use exciting technologies?
Information and communications technology (ICT) is a huge part of our every day lives, and in just about every business in the world. Whether it's digital devices such as tablets and mobile phones, laptops and personal computers, complex networks and servers — or even specialist areas such as cyber security or artificial intelligence — it all needs skilled people to keep everything working.
What working in ICT can offer you
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| Follow the links to find out more about the industry, job and career opportunities, and training options. |
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Free advice, information and support
If you're thinking about training for a future career in ICT or would like some guidance choosing the right training or qualification or options for a traineeship; support with your career development plan; assistance to update your CV/resume or apply for jobs; or even help with a job application or interview — your local JSC is the place to go! Centres are located across Perth and regional WA, and all services are free.
To talk to the friendly team at your local JSC, give them a call on 13 64 64 or follow the link below to find your local centre and drop in for a chat.
What is information & communications technology?
Information and communications technology (ICT, also commonly called "IT" or "the tech sector") is the use of any computers, storage, networking and other physical devices, infrastructure and processes to create, process, store, secure and exchange all forms of electronic data and communications. Put simply, it's the business of applying technology to the way we communicate and manage information.
The ICT industry plays a critical role in almost every business in Australia, and around the world, and is Australia's third biggest industry, behind just mining and banking, and in 2020—21 it contributed $167 billion to our economy*. Western Australia is a player on the global ICT stage, with many innovative projects and programs underway and planned for the future.
Whilst some technologies have been around for many years, ICT is constantly evolving and innovating — not just the technology itself, but also the information — for example; the take up of cloud-based computing is increasing rapidly, education is moving more into online learning, online services and e-commerce are growing rapidly, and cyber security has become a key issue. People with specialist ICT skills will always be needed to ensure that millions of computers, devices, networks and systems are working to receive, send and store information.
*Source: Tech Council of Australia, The economic contribution of Australia's tech sector (August 2021) - external site
A world of opportunities and experiences
The strong overall growth in Australian technology workers is expected to continue — it's forecast that there will be over 1.1 million technology workers in Australia by 2026*.
This means that ICT offers fantastic employment opportunities now and into the future, and you'll be able to grow your skills and knowledge as you gain experience and/or undertake further study to go for higher level or more specialist occupations.
*Source: Deloitte Access Economics, Australian Computer Society: Australia's Digital Pulse 2021
How do I get a job in ICT?
Now is a great time to consider a career in information and communications technology! Because there's a wide range of occupations within the sector, and a number of different areas you could specialise in, it's helpful to know about different job roles within the industry so that you can focus on the type of work you're interested in. Select the box below to find out more about some of the occupations and fields available in ICT.
Am I suited to this kind of work?
Working in ICT, you will meet and work with people from all walks of life — from high level executives through to new employees, and everyone in between! Some situations can be challenging, but the work can be highly rewarding.
What skills would I need?
Employers are looking for people who can bridge the gap between user needs and digital solutions, and have communication and collaboration skills as well as technical expertise to offer. This means that in addition to the technical skills and knowledge you will gain through training and experience, you will also need a range of other skills and values to help you be effective as an ICT worker.
Select each of these skills areas below to find out more.
Explore occupations in ICT
Because the ICT industry offers a range of different occupations and job roles, it's useful to explore these further so that you can decide on the kind of work you're interested in doing.
We have hundreds of occupation profiles you can browse through — visit our Occupation profiles page here
Spotlight on: Cyber Security
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Cyber security is one of the fastest growing specialties in ICT, with a range of great jobs and career opportunities on offer. In this short video, you'll hear industry expert Dr Chris Bolan talking about the Cyber Security Operations Centre at South Metropolitan TAFE. The centre provides students with hands-on experience solving real world cyber security issues and skills and knowledge in how to explore, attack and defend cyber security threats in a specialised state of the art facility. Chris talks about how the training at TAFE is high quality and valued by employers, because it gives people not only knowledge but also practical experience to be job ready. |
Ready to start your job search?
Take a look at the following points, to help get things started.
Want some free advice or support for your job search?
If you’re interested in a career in ICT, your local Jobs and Skills Centre can help with free advice on career planning and training to help you get there. And if you've spotted a job you want to go for, they can help freshen up your CV and even help you put your job application together. Need some tips for job interviews? They can do that too!
All services are free, and all ages are welcome
Because Jobs and Skills Centres work closely with local employees and industries, they know where the jobs are and how you can get them. And they know what employers are looking for. JSCs are located across Perth and regional WA, and all services are free. Call your local JSC on 13 64 64, or check our map to find your closest centre.
Spotlight on: Software development
Mason Crawford is a software engineer / developer whose career is going full steam ahead! Starting out with a TAFE qualification and then completing a university degree, he is now a senior consultant and loving his job.
"I get to work with some really smart individuals every day. Programming is a team sport in a very fast-moving field. The scope of the problems and the solutions to those problems are different every day." he says.
Mason describes the best part of his job as the scope of the problems he solves being different every day, and the satisfaction he gets from the "a-ha!" moment when he's able to find solutions.
Case study provided courtesy of FutureNow industry training council - external site
Do you need to skill up?
Training options and pathways
When it comes to getting a job in ICT, or progressing your career, having skills and knowledge will really give you the edge over other applicants. There's a range of vocational education and training (VET) courses available at WA TAFEs and private training providers that can set you up to be job ready, with the skills and knowledge that employers are looking for.
Once you have identified the type of work you are interested in, and/or the occupation you're going for, you can find a course or qualification that offers the skills and knowledge you'll need to be ready for that new job or promotion.
There's never been a better time to get into training; with free courses and course fees reduced by half price or more on a range of qualifications through Lower fees, local skills!
Vocational education and training (VET)
With VET, there's a course or qualification for almost every job in ICT — from entry level through to higher-level qualifications. The following diagram provides a basic guide to qualification levels, and how they align to working in ICT.
Traineeships in ICTWith a traineeship, you are employed (and paid) while you study. The training component of your ICT traineeship is based on nationally accredited vocational education and training (VET) units of competency, and is delivered by a TAFE college or private training provider. You'll also undertake on the job learning through tasks and projects, with mentoring. On completion of your traineeship, you will receive a nationally recognised qualification. |
Existing worker traineeships in ICTIf you are already employed in the ICT industry, you may be eligible for an existing worker traineeship (EWT). These involve structured on the job learning, managed by an accredited TAFE college or private training provider, to deepen and broaden your skills and knowledge. On completion, you will receive a nationally recognised vocational education and training (VET) qualification. |
Recognition of prior learningRecognition of prior learning (RPL) is an assessment process to evaluate the skills, knowledge and experience you have gained through training and/or life and work experience, to determine whether it meets the required standards of a nationally recognised Australian qualification. Through RPL, you may have the opportunity to gain a full or partial qualification without having to complete units where your skills and knowledge already meet the required standards — this means you can save time and money by completing a qualification in a shorter period of time. |
ICT for secondary school studentsIf you are a secondary school student and you'd like to get a head start on your ICT career, you can choose to do a Certificate II in Applied Digital Technologies, or a Certificate III in Information Technology qualification as a school-based traineeship. In a school-based traineeship (SBT), you will be a full time student at school completing your Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE), and also be employed part time in an ICT workplace for on the job training so that you can gain hands on workplace experience (you will be paid for this work). |
University studyIf you are seeking a professional career in a specialist role or niche area of ICT, or in a management or executive position, you may need a university-level qualification. Each university will offer a different program of qualifications, at different levels and with different entry requirements, so it's worth taking the time to read through the information on their website to help decide which study pathway you want to pursue. You can find out more about universities in WA here - external site. |
Other options to skill up
Getting a job without any relevant skills or experience is not easy... right? In general, even entry level jobs in ICT will require some skills, knowledge and experience, and that's where other options can offer you a great pathway.
Low course fees and annual fees cap
Right now a number of ICT qualifications have their course fees reduced by half or more in our Lower fees, local skills program.
There's never been a better time to get skills ready for a career in ICT!
On top of that; an annual fees cap applies for course fees on all of the low fee qualifications — this means that no matter how much your course fees actually are, you will not pay more than a set total amount for course fees per qualification or course per year.
The annual course fees cap is set at $400 for eligible concession students including people aged 15—24 and jobseekers, and $1,200 for non-concession students.
Full details about low fee courses and the annual fees cap are available here
Fee-free short course ICT skill sets
If you would like to do a short course to get job ready for an entry level role in ICT, or to build on your existing skills and knowledge, a skill set is the way to go! Skill sets are short courses made up of units of competency from a nationally recognised qualification, that target a specific set of skills and knowledge to meet the needs of industry or a particular job role. Because skill sets are based on nationally accredited units of competency, when you complete a skills set short course those units will provide credit towards a full qualification if you decide to do further study.
We currently have a range of ICT skill sets available, and some are 100% FREE for eligible students!*
For more information, see the list below or choose Skill sets from the Skills Ready search filter on the course list.
ICT traineeships for secondary school students
Would you like to complete an ICT qualification while still at school and get a head start on your career? A school-based traineeship (SBT) is the way to go!
SBTs are an employment-based vocational education and training (VET) program for secondary school students. In an SBT you will be a full time student at school while you do your studies with a TAFE college or registered training organisation, and also be employed part time in an IT workplace for on the job training so that you can gain hands on workplace experience (you will be paid for this work). Outside of the SBT, you will be an enrolled school student working towards completion of your Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE). There's currently two qualifications available as SBTs.
| Certificate III in Information Technology |
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This qualification will give you skills and knowledge in a range of ICT areas including hardware installation and maintenance; program and application support; cloud computing; cyber security; digital media; support and customer service; configuring basic computer networks; programming; network systems; and web development. You’ll also develop your communication; teamwork; critical thinking and problem solving skills; giving you confidence to get an entry level ICT job. Find out more about the Certificate III in Information Technology here |
| Certificate II in Applied Digital Technologies |
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This qualification will give you basic ICT skills and knowledge and an overview of the industry. You'll learn about a range of digital media and how it's used; how to protect and manage ICT assets; business applications such as word processing, spreadsheets and databases; digital imaging; and operating systems. You'll also develop skills in customer service; communication; teamwork; workplace health and safety; and diagnosing and solving common ICT problems. This is a good choice if you would like a pathway into further study after school. Find out more about the Certificate II in Applied Digital Technologies here |
You can find out more about SBTs here, or speak to your school's VET coordinator for advice on SBTs and other VET programs available at school. You can also get free advice from your local Jobs and Skills Centre about study options while at school — call 13 64 64.
Traineeships in ICT
Traineeships are a great way to skill up for a career in ICT! You'll be able to earn while you learn, and gain a nationally recognised qualification on completion of your traineeship.
The advantage of doing a traineeship is the combination of on the job learning and formal training — you get both technical knowledge and hands on experience.
You'll be working (and paid) in an ICT environment, and completing tasks and projects aligned to your qualification — with mentoring and support. You'll also do training with a TAFE college or private training provider, to ensure that you get a broad range of skills and knowledge including areas of ICT that you may not have direct exposure to in your workplace.
The qualifications listed here are currently available as traineeships for the ICT industry, and some may include the option to select specialisation units such as gaming development; database maintenance; programming; networking; systems administration support; web development and database development.
- Certificate III in Information Technology
- Certificate IV in Information Technology
- Certificate IV in Cyber Security
- Diploma of Information Technology
- Advanced Diploma of Information Technology
Find the course for you
Our course list will show you all of the ICT qualifications that are currently available at WA TAFE colleges and private training providers; including those available as a traineeship, and qualifications that can be completed as a school-based traineeship in secondary school. In the course search below, we have pre-selected ICT related sub-study areas for you. You can change this if you would like to search for other courses; and you can also use the other filters to search for a particular type of training, industry, qualification level, or training provider. To find courses that are free or have low fees, select from the options in the Skills Ready filter. |
Advanced Diploma of Cyber Security
National ID : 22610VIC | State ID : BGT52
Be a cyber defender, working in an exciting global industry at the forefront of technology! You could be part of an integral team of security practitioners on the front line protecting the integrity of your company’s security perimeter and IT network, supporting our defence forces, working in the world of banking or finance, or in a range of other industries and occupations where cyber security is critical.
Advanced Diploma of Information Technology
National ID : ICT60220 | State ID : BGJ5
Seeking a leadership role in information technology, or need some high level skills and knowledge for a specialist project or career move?
Advanced Diploma of Information Technology (Cyber Security)
National ID : ICT60220 | State ID : AE08
This qualification will develop your critical thinking and leadership skills, as well as a range of other skills and knowledge in cyber security risk management.
Advanced Diploma of Screen and Media (Animation and Visual Effects)
National ID : CUA60620 | State ID : AC88
Are you ready to take advantage of the huge opportunities for content creators and digital designers? If you would love to specialise in animation and visual effects, this is the perfect course to grow your career in the exciting world of animation and visual effects for film, TV, screen and media.
Advanced Diploma of Screen and Media (Broadcast Radio and Podcasting)
National ID : CUA60620 | State ID : AC81
This qualification will build your skills in scriptwriting, sound design, advertising / commercials and broadcasting through digital technologies including streaming and podcasting.
Advanced Diploma of Screen and Media (Digital Art & Animation)
National ID : CUA60620 | State ID : AC84
This course will build your animation and games art skills to boost your career in this exciting industry, and open up new job opportunities! The course is delivered by industry professionals, using state of the art technology and equipment. You'll learn through a combination of formal training and hands on industry projects, giving you real world experience.
Advanced Diploma of Screen and Media (Digital Cinema)
National ID : CUA60620 | State ID : AC80
Through this qualification, you'll explore the nature of storytelling through the medium of digital cinema and learn how to evolve your ideas for professional creative work for film, TV, and other media.
Advanced Diploma of Screen and Media (Game Art & Design)
National ID : CUA60620 | State ID : AC85
Want to create new digital worlds? Boost your career exploring new worlds through the exciting industry of game art and design. This qualification will provide you with advanced high level skills and experience in game art and design, with a particular focus on multimedia.
Artificial Intelligence Skill Set
National ID : ICTSS00120 | State ID : AE698
The world of artificial intelligence (AI) offers many exciting job and career opportunities!
Basic Open Cabler Registration Skill Set
National ID : ICTSS00084 | State ID : AD976
With this short course skill set, you'll gain entry level skills and knowledge to install, maintain and modify telecommunications customer cabling in domestic and commercial premises, in accordance with Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) requirements.
Vendor certification
Some providers of ICT programs and solutions (vendors) offer certification training programs. Examples include Microsoft Windows, Azure and Office365, Cisco, Google Cloud, Oracle, Red Hat, VMware, Ubiquiti, Linux and DevOps to name just a few.
Generally the certification is aligned with a job role but it may also be program or platform-specific, and many of the courses offer different levels of training from beginner to advanced.
If you're doing VET study in ICT; depending on the TAFE or training provider and the qualification you choose, some vendor-specific certification may be included in your training. If not, you can look into undertaking the certification training separately.
Prices for vendor certification courses vary greatly; from around $200 upwards to two or three thousand dollars or more, depending on the vendor and the program.
Do I need certification to get an ICT job?
If you have limited skills, knowledge or experience in ICT then certification training may be of benefit. And you will see some job ads that say a specific certification is required; for example if an organisation works exclusively in a Microsoft environment, that employer may highly value people who are Microsoft certified. Remember though; certification is generally vendor or program-specific, and will only cover skills and knowledge related to that vendor or program.
Which certification/s should I consider?
This really depends on the job role you're interested in, or the career goals you're pursuing. If you're currently working in ICT, or know someone who is — ask some questions and seek their opinion. There's a wide range of certifications available, from many different providers, so research is important. We also recommend speaking to the ICT Department at your local TAFE, or calling 13 64 64 to get some free advice from your local Jobs and Skills Centre.
Looking for advice on training, jobs or careers? We can help!
If you're interested in working in ICT, or what training would best suit your career goals, your local Jobs and Skills Centre can help with free advice on training, job seeking and career planning to help you get there! And because they work closely with local employees and industries, they know where the jobs are and how to help you get them. Whether you need help freshening up your CV, writing a job application, or deciding what training course is the best option for you — your JSC can help!
JSCs are located through metropolitan Perth and regional WA, and outreach services are also available in regional areas. All ages are welcome, and all services are free! Contact your local JSC to find out how they can help you.