Why coding is still the most important job skill of the future

Here in Australia the technical revolution has happened. We now rely on computer systems to drive our industry and allow us to trade with our global competitors. Not only that, our food, transport, currency and even family are all now dependent on information technology. No wonder the demand for people to take on computer coding jobs has increased. Each computer system is only as good as the programming code that drives it. This is why coding skills are so highly valued.

You only have to look at the figures to see why programming courses have become so popular. According to the Labour Market Information Portal, there is a 23.5% projected job growth for programmers.

Gaining coding skills is a real boost to any career, so here are 10 great reasons why coding is still the most important job skill of the future.

10 reasons why coding is still the most important job skill of the future

1. Coding skills are good for your career prospects.
2. We are spending more on IT than ever.
3. E-commerce is growing rapidly across Australia.
4. The range of coding jobs is growing.
5. More job roles now require coding skills.
6. Coding skills attract higher wages.
7. Our need for cyber security has grown.
8. Learning coding skills is good for your brain.
9. Programming courses are available at all levels.
10.  A career that will grow with your skills.

1. Coding skills are good for your career prospects.

Learning to code is great for Australia but it is also great for you. Increased demand for coding skills has led to higher wages, decreased unemployment and more exciting opportunities in this vibrant sector. Not only that but coding skills can really enhance your career prospects. Learning to code not only demonstrates your willingness to learn and interest in moving ahead, it makes your skillset really attractive to prospective employers.

2. We are spending more on IT than ever.

Australians and Australian businesses are investing heavily in ICT products and information technology services. Businesses and people alike are showing a desire to keep up with the latest developments. By the end of 2019, spending on code-driven products reached an estimate of $93 billion according to Gartner. One significant spending trend is our move towards cloud-based services for both business and home. This has taken over from spending on IT devices.

3. E-commerce is growing rapidly across Australia.

Between 1st of January to 30th of April 2021, over 7.4 million households shopped online, coming to a 5.5% year-on-year growth, according to Australia Post. Competition to gain and keep online customers is high. The services provided by those in coding job roles have become a key retail success factor. Customers have high expectations of their shopping experiences and require bargains, speed and information to maintain brand loyalty.

4. The demand for coding jobs is growing.

Programming is a growing occupation across Australia. For example, the job role of Software and Applications Programmers grew very strongly over the last five years and is expected to continue with the same positive trend as we move towards 2023. An impressive 16,000 new jobs a year are expected to open up in this job role alone, making coding a sought-after skill that is definitely worth learning.

5. More job roles now require coding skills.

The number of jobs that don’t include some element of coding skill is shrinking. Examples of job roles that were once based on traditional skills but now require coding expertise include:

• Graphic artists: Creating the design elements of a website is no longer enough. Today’s graphic artists need a few web development skills to put their art into practical application
• Environmental scientists: Scientific knowledge is really important for environmental research but analysis of this research often relies on the development of appropriate computer models
• Business analysts: The ability to manipulate and understand big data is now key to business success.

6. Coding skills attract higher wages.

ICT jobs often attract high wages but coding skills can increase this earning potential even further. For example, ICT Support Technicians earn an average wage for Australia whereas Software and Applications Programmers earn more than the average wage and can enjoy improved lifestyle benefits. As of current, Application Developers can earn up to $100,187 in Australia per year.

7. Our need for cyber security has grown.

Personal and business data is now a valuable commodity. Businesses can rise and fall on their data collection, manipulation and responses. The Australian Cyber Security Growth Network has outlined that demand for cyber security jobs has risen, with businesses spending more on cyber security, leading to a 9% increase each year for the past four years.

8. Learning coding skills is good for your brain.

If you have ever spent time coding, you’ll know that it requires concentration and creativity in equal measure. This kind of stimulation is like giving your brain a workout at the gym and it is never too late to start. As you learn a skill, the neural networks in your brain form new connections and the great thing about learning coding skills is that you can see the exciting results of those new connections right from the start.

9. Programming courses are available at all levels.

The majority of people currently working in coding jobs are educated to Bachelor Degree or higher. For example, 55.9% of Software and Applications Programmers hold a Bachelor Degree. However, the great thing about programming jobs is that you can work your way up.

Learning to code can start at an early age both at home and at school. Studying via an online course can take this learning further towards industry standard. For example, Upskilled’s ICT40120 - Certificate IV in Information Technology (Programming) gives students the essentials of key programming languages. These include:

• Python
• UML
• MS SQL/MySQL
• C#
• PHP

10. A career that will grow with your skills.

As your coding skills develop, you’ll gain a clearer idea of where you’d like to specialise. This is an exciting and ever-changing world in which new opportunities will continue to arise. As your career progresses, you’ll be keen to add to your coding skills through further practical experience and programming courses.

Learn to code with Upskilled

Not only is coding a skill that can give you access to an exciting and rewarding career, it can open yourself up to job opportunities in one of Australia’s fast developing industry sectors. Today’s programmers work across a wide range of industries and contribute to most aspects of our lives. Coding may be in the background of most things that we do but its development has a big impact on almost everybody.

If you want to learn how to code, consider studying with Upskilled and undertake a programming course that is nationally recognised in Australia to help kickstart your coding career today.

Editor’s note: This article was originally published in January 2020. Content has been revamped and updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

Fi Darby Fi is a professional copywriter based in Devon, England. She specialises in education, careers, travel and outdoor writing and is the co-author of the popular daily outdoor blog 'Two Blondes Walking'. Fi has written three children's books and, when she isn't writing, Fi loves to gather inspiration from long walks, early morning sea swims and winter wild camps.