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ExploreDo you love to write code? If so - it's great news for you that computer programming skills are in high demand! Here's some practical advice on what you can expect to do as a programmer, what skills and experience you will need, and what the job market holds in store for you
Programmers are responsible for the development of software and computer applications; from its design and formation to its maintenance and documentation. They commonly work in a team environment, often closely with designers and content producers.
Working with user requirements, these professionals analyse the needs, limitations, and deficiencies of existing systems and write program code according to these specifications. They also ensure the code functions within guidelines and quality standards through intensive diagnosing, debugging, and testing procedures. The resulting software program must ultimately perform its desired user purpose, and respond appropriately to their inputs.
As such, a programmer must have thorough knowledge of computer languages, such as Java and C-based languages.
Throughout the development process, programmers are additionally expected to document the programs they write. These typically involve the use of flowcharts, diagrams, revision dates and code comments. They may also be required to offer expertise in the development of software design proposals or strategies; discussing factors such as recommended vendors or the costs of software upgrades.
To succeed in the field, programmers must maintain relevant knowledge of new technologies, programming languages, and industry practices. This could be pursuing further training, attending workshops or conferences, or travelling to vendor or client offices.
The average computer programmer in Australia earns a median salary of $70,000 a year, according to SEEK. There is potential to earn a six-figure salary as programmers gain more experience in the industry.
Generally, if you can demonstrate your technical knowledge and competencies to employers, you can enter the programming field without formal qualifications. Most workers, however, hold at least a VET qualification, which may improve your chances of employment.
Though studying coding and programming languages can be done independently, experience with project management practices and working in a team environment is beneficial. It is also vital to form a portfolio of your programming experience, ideally on a website you’ve designed and coded yourself. This easily demonstrates your skills to potential employers and builds on your credibility in the job market.
The Australian Computer Society offers membership to those pursuing suitable qualifications, and offers plenty of career benefits for aspiring programmers – including news on the latest industry trends, innovations, and events. Those looking to advance in the field can take advantage of mentorship programs, networking groups, and professional recognition offered by the association.
The latest (2019) report by Australian Jobs reveals the Professional, Scientific, and Technical services to be among the top five largest employing industries nationwide. Within this area, software and applications programmers ranked among the top two employing occupations.
Job opportunities for aspiring programmers are thus plenty, with the occupation currently holding a large employment size of 121,300 workers. This number is set to grow even further over the next five years, with an estimated 146,800 workers by 2023. The rapid pace of emerging technologies is a large contributor to new jobs being created, though most of these will likely come from employee turnover.
During the years to 2023, reports estimate a likelihood of 80,000 job openings – about 16,000 annually.
Those holding a programming qualification are likely to find work in most regions of Australia. Opportunities are mainly available in New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, and Western Australia, with 90% of workers employed on a full-time basis.
Employment can be found in a wide range of industries, though generally work as salaried employees in small IT companies or larger organisations. They can also be found in areas of financial and insurance services as well as public administration and safety. With more than a quarter of the Professional, Scientific, and Technical services industry being self-employed, there are also opportunities for programmers to freelance.
Once in a programming role, workers can use the skills they gain to advance to developer, software engineering, and analyst positions.
Through a programming course with Upskilled, you’ll have the opportunity to gain extensive knowledge and hands-on experience of coding practices and programming languages at both an introductory and intermediate level. Their training also offers insight into copyright practices, ethical codes and privacy policies in an ICT environment, helping you attain industry-standard professional conduct. Successful completion of the programming course can lead you to a range of junior roles, including:
Assistant IT Programmer
An assistant IT programmer offers support in the design, development, and maintenance of new software applications. Their duties may involve rewriting existing code to improve efficiency, supervising data entry operators, updating user manuals and assisting end users with any software-related issues.
Junior Programmer (Computer/Mobile App)
A junior programmer carries their tasks under the supervision of a senior programmer, often tending to the basic duties of a project. These include analysing the needs of clients, writing code according to supervisor's instruction, and training end users once an application is created.
Junior App Developer
Junior app developers typically work under the guidance of a programming team, aiding in the implementation, testing, maintenance and optimisation of applications. They often update existing code and documentation as required by senior developers, and assist with debugging and formulating improvements for software.
As mentioned, such entry-level roles are often pursued through a VET qualification, held by a majority of Australian programmers.
Upskilled’s course offers self-paced training through a range of computing languages, including:
Students will have the opportunity to gain technical skills in developing computer and mobile applications, along with the corresponding test procedures, automated solutions, and technical documentation.
For example, in one of the core assessments, they will learn how to develop an entire app from the beginning until the end of their course, which can help students gain practical skills and insight to programming. In addition to this, the program also combines a range of vendor courses and trainer-developed materials for a robust training experience.
The course also touches on basic database creation, administration, and testing using TSQL, along with basic knowledge on database servers through vendor-specific courses. Individuals will also learn the hands-on essentials of XML, HTML5, and C#; along with designing, formatting, and manipulating displayed data.
Additionally, students will be trained in writing research papers and producing clear, navigable technical documentation of their final work. The course also explores ethics in leadership, copyright, and data confidentiality.
The course provides its training through various vendor-certified software programs, including:
Is there government funding available for this course?
Upskilled’s programming course may be eligible for government funding options, however, these are subject to availability. For more information on Upskilled’s flexible payment options, consult with their education consultants today.
What flexible payment options does Upskilled offer?
Alternatively, the following options are also applicable:
Talk to an Education Consultant about which course is right for you
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