The Federal Government has come up with a new plan to address skill shortages and grow the local tech sector.

The government says it will support a Digital and Tech Skills compact between government, unions and technology employers, which was laid out at the weekend’s Jobs and Skills Summit.

The compact seeks to commit industry, government and unions to cooperate to help address skill shortages and increase the size and value of the Australian tech sector.

Working with industry, unions and training organisations, the government says it will develop a model pilot scheme to support workers entering the tech industry with a blend of employment and training.

The agreement could help achieve the Government’s target of 1.2 million tech-related jobs by 2030.

Minister for Industry and Science, Ed Husic MP, issued a statement saying: “Our focus is on stronger business, secure jobs and higher wages. This agreement sets Australia on the path to achieving that in the tech sector.

“The modern tech sector needs to reflect modern Australia, drawing in people and skills from all corners of the community. It could see us, for example, developing Digital Tradies supporting a broad range of businesses,” Mr Husic said.

“We have made it clear that the Jobs and Skills Summit is the just start of a process to re-equip Australians with the skills we need. This compact will help us get on with that work.”

Minister for Skills and Training, Brendan O’Connor MP, said: “Australia is facing a skills shortage crisis and we need to better respond to future skills demand and better match taxpayers’ investment in areas of need.”

“Digital skills are now core foundation skills for Australians of all ages and essential to jobs now and in the future.

“A robust skills and training sector is critical to driving a productive workforce – this will deliver a stronger economy and more affordable goods and services,” Minister O’Connor said.

Proposals raised at the summit included modern Australian digital traineeships and building inclusive pathways into tech jobs across the economy.