The NBN Co’s Joint Standing Committee has been warned of a looming IT skills shortage that will threaten productivity if not properly addressed

 

Capgemini Australia has warned that without the Federal Government actively promoting needed skills locally, the only option left for businesses will be to source employment from offshore.

 

"The message was loud and clear that we as a nation have an opportunity for skills training and growth, and that without some greater thinking and work, it will quickly become a lost opportunity for Australia,” committee chair Rob Oakeshott said.

 

"The committee is looking at workforce issues in relation to the NBN, and the broader question of skills and training is an important part of this. The NBN rollout should not just be a consumer stimulus package on information and communications technology."

"Arguably, and more importantly, it needs to be an industry IT stimulus package. Making sure industry can maximise this opportunity would be, and should be, a smart contribution to productivity for Australia,” Mr Oakeshott said.