Universal access to fast broadband can shape the future Aussie workforce: study
Developed by KPMG Demographics and commissioned by nbn Co, the Super connected jobs report explored how the potential for universal access to fast broadband can shape the future Aussie workforce and liberate employees from the confines of set working hours or places.
It found that with three million new jobs since 2000, it is likely the Australian workforce will increase by another three million workers in the next 15 years to 2030. It indicated that there will also be a growing emphasis on part-time working women work as well as longer careers for older workers.
It also found the rise of new technology and digital disruption will facilitate a level of entrepreneurialism unlike ever before. This will influence the economy with the rise of ‘Silicon Cities and Beaches’ outside of metro areas, as more small and agile businesses pop-up with new ways to disrupt, improve and create value.
In addition, it found that jobs of the future will stem from what is in most demand due to changing skill sets, population increase and the potential for ubiquitous access to fast broadband via nbn Co’s network.
But, while digital disruption will create new business models, it also found the majority of Australian job growth will come from the jobs of today. It claimed connectivity will impact all types of jobs, even those not strictly in the technology space.
Author of the Super connected jobs report, demographer Bernard Salt, said we could see the rise of new Silicon cities or beaches in regional hubs around the country as universal access to fast broadband drives a culture of entrepreneurialism and innovation outside our capital cities “Australians are on the dawn of a disruptive ‘Uber-work’ era. Super connectivity made available via the nbn network will deliver a greater balance between work and lifestyle pursuits as we redefine how, when and where we will work,” he mentioned.
In addition, the study uncovered distinct skill sets which represent Australia’s future jobs in the digital age.
It predicted significant growth and transformation in existing jobs such as beauty therapists and personal trainers as well as a changing perception for stereotypically ‘geek’ jobs such as computer programmers and high tech start-ups which will become less niche and more mainstream.
From the report, the workers of the future include support services such as social work and personal services like beauty therapists, nannies and fitness instructors using apps and video-conferencing for work; electrical engineers, medical researchers and business entrepreneurs that conduct an international collaboration via high speed broadband; accountants, dentists, urban planners and teachers who conduct more of their work remotely; plumbers, carpenters and electricians who use technology to create new ways of communicating with clients, ordering materials, allocating work and processing payment; and stylists, social media engineers, photographers and yoga instructors who will draw on access to high speed broadband for inspiration, instant connections with peers and clients and hassle-free large data transfers.
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