3 online courses to help you get into the IT field
With Australia’s tech industry in full force – expected to grow by from 580,000 workers to 792,000 in 2024 – it’s no surprise the sector has become an attractive field for many. Advancements have been on a continuous incline in recent years, with demand for talent predicted to soar.
As our country faces a rising need for skills in the sector, there’s no better time to pursue IT. Promising career opportunities aside, basic tech skills are bound to grow commonplace as society becomes ever-more digitised.
A wide range of online courses are now available under various IT specialisations – offering aspiring professionals with the flexible training they need for a tech career; or to simply brush up on the transferable, digital skills required to stand out in today’s job market.
Below, SkillsTalk explore three popular IT courses available online to help you get your foot in the door.
1. ICT30118 - Certificate III in Information, Digital Media, and Technology.
This program typically covers areas of network administration, web technologies, software applications, technical support, and digital media. These lay the IT groundwork for those just starting out in the field, and the skills acquired can grant one the competitive, technological edge to get ahead in the current job market – or offer one a head start in a more concentrated IT stream (such as networking, web design, or software development).
Those pursuing this area will learn to conduct diagnostic tests; install, configure, and optimise operating system software, identify and manage the elements (or related issues) of a computer network; and install, maintain, and configure computer hardware.
Additionally, students can polish their IT-related soft skills, with this program typically exploring the skills required to provide client advice, implement environmentally sustainable work practices, and collaborate or communicate effectively in an ICT environment.
For those interested in this course, Upskilled offers an online ICT30118 - Certificate III in Information, Digital Media and Technology; covering all the aforementioned areas. Previous students, such as Brandon Potter, have acknowledged the program’s ability to build one’s basic knowledge of “how computers and servers are implemented.” Those looking for a general overview of the IT field may thus wish to pursue this course for the entry-level training they need.
Career outcomes include the role of a systems administrator and a data entry operator – both stable occupations with plenty of job opportunities in recent years.
Job Outlook statistics show that the industry of database, systems administrators, and ICT security are expected to grow in the coming years – from 43,900 in 2018 to 47,300 in 2023. Potential salaries may also be higher than the all-jobs average; with workers in this field earning $1,932 weekly, compared to the all-jobs weekly wage of $1,460.
2. ICT30118 - Certificate III in Information Digital Media and Technology – Interactive Gaming and Programming Specialisation.
Those looking to explore the fundamentals of video game design and programming may prefer to specialise in this area, with this course typically offered under the same subject of “information, digital media, and technology”.
Students will generally train across a broad range of ICT skills with a focus on interactive gaming - these including basic coding skills, producing animations, and the fundamentals of visual design. Techniques in 3-D object modelling and texturing are explored through popular modelling and animation software, while touching on the traditional process of animation and design.
Individuals may also be required to produce video assets for interactive media or multimedia presentations. Additionally, students will learn introductory programming skills for developing, testing, and debugging simple applications and games.
As with the broader course of information, digital media and technology – students will also be trained in effective communication and environmentally sustainable practices within an ICT workplace.
Those interested in this course can undertake Upskilled’s online ICT30118 - Certificate III in Information, Digital Media and Technology – Interactive Gaming and Programming Specialisation. The program explores all the aforementioned subjects over a 12-month timespan, with no specific entry requirements included.
Career outcomes for those who pursue this field include the role of a video game designer and a games developer support. Both career paths are expecting employment growth in the years to come.
According to Job Outlook, multimedia specialists and web developers are projected to jump from 15,000 workers in 208 to 18,000 by 2023. Potential earnings are high in this field, with an average weekly wage ($1,596) greater than that of the all-jobs average.
3. ICT40518 - Certificate IV in Programming.
Plenty of online courses now train aspiring IT professionals in various programming languages at both an introductory and intermediate level. A beginner’s programming course will typically equip one with the skills to design, develop, test, and maintain applications (including those for mobile or hand-held devices); automate solutions and processes through scripts; develop client user interfaces, and create basic databases.
Students will also learn the fundamentals of object-oriented design and producing simple programs through object-oriented language. Of course, broader IT areas are also explored – including the issues of ethics, privacy, system security and copyright in an ICT environment; creating technical support documents in clear, understandable user language; and analysing client requirements to create effective, software-based solutions.
Upskilled offers an online ICT40518 - Certificate IV in Programming with courses addressing each of these areas, comprising both vendor specific, vendor-neutral, and trainer-developed materials. Under their instructor’s guidance, students will learn to build an entire app throughout their 12-month training period.
Those who train in introductory programming can go on to pursue entry-level roles in software and application development. According to Job Outlook, aspiring programmers can look forward to incredibly strong industry growth in the coming years – with workers expected to jump from 121,300 in 2018 to 146,800 in 2023. Potential wages are also much higher than that of the all-jobs average, with workers earning an adult wage of $2,003 per week.
Looking to enter the world of IT?
Whether your interests align with game design, programming, or the fundamentals of networking and general ICT – Upskilled offers a generous selection of online courses to get you started.
Ranging from certificates, to diplomas, to graduate certificates; students can train in the skills surrounding web technology, computer systems, network security, and IT project management, among others.
Best of all, all courses are delivered through an all-online platform, guided by industry veterans who assist you every step of the way.
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