Attitudes to ICT careers

Attitudes to ICT careers


This research is targeted towards industry and government, to develop messages encouraging more young people to study and work in the ICT field.

The latest research confirms that the ICT sector needs an image revamp to show young people that this field can provide the excitement, creativity and fun they say they are looking for from their future careers.

The findings also highlight that young people's attitudes towards ICT are ripe for change, with 36 per cent of students surveyed admitting they have little understanding about what working in ICT actually entails.

The research has found that although 54 per cent of students had some understanding of ICT career opportunities in Australia, only 10 per cent felt they had a very clear understanding, and more than a third reported that they had no understanding of ICT opportunities at all.

Key findings include:
  • Students are showing greater interest in working in the ICT industry – increasing from 25 to 35 per cent in the last two years – putting the ICT industry ahead of other industries such as health care and social services

  • Almost 30 per cent of students showed ‘some interest’ and understanding in ICT which, combined with 13 per cent of students who showed ‘strong interest’ suggested a solid starting point from which to build further interest and understanding

  • Students who had exposure to ICT at secondary school (at a Years 9 or above level) and students with family working in ICT were more likely to be interested in further study and/or a career in ICT

  • The most positive aspect of a career in ICT is working with the latest technology (53 per cent). Other positive aspects include: ICT is an interesting career (44 per cent), lots of job opportunities available (43 per cent), and ICT is well paid (42 per cent).

Multimedia Victoria has taken a lead role in investigating young people's attitudes towards ICT study and careers. Such research was conducted in 2001, and later updated and expanded in 2004, 2007 and 2009.