Jobs in IT and Telecommunication Technology.
Australia’s technology industry covers a diverse group of technical occupations in specialised areas such as information technology and telecommunications technology.
A number of skilled occupations are currently in shortage in the information and communications technology (ICT) industry. If you want to set yourself up for a rewarding career, check out the following jobs and the VET courses that will give you the practical skills you need to gain employment in them.
Developer Programmer
A Developer is a computer science specialist who creates computer software and applications. They are proficient in the use of computer programming languages, which they use to write code that performs the software’s functions. Experienced Developers usually have a specialisation in one or more fields of software development, such as web development or database development. Developers often work in a process known as the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC), which contains six stages: analysis, design, development and testing, implementation, documentation, and evaluation. They interact with computers daily, and work in teams at IT companies or in the IT department of a broad range of technology–driven organisations. They may also work freelance servicing a list of clients.
Courses you can take
Diploma of Information Technology.
Salary
The average programmer/developer salary in Australia is $90,500 per year or $46.41 per hour. Entry-level positions start at $70,000 per year, while most experienced workers make up to $105,986 per year.
Tasks and Duties:
Gathering project requirements by liaising with stakeholders.
Analysing project requirements and designing solutions and features.
Creating wireframes and virtual prototypes to illustrate project specifics.
Using computer software to write and modify programming code.
Modifying and documenting the program code to correct errors.
Testing code for bugs and implementing improvements and fixes.
Solving problems using logic and methodical testing processes.
Developing testing and validation processes.
Deploying code to the live environment.
Analyst Programmer
Analyst Programmers (also known as Programmer Analysts) analyse user needs and provide technology based solutions, including creating requirements documentation and system plans.
Courses you can take
Diploma of Information Technology.
Salary
The average programmer analyst salary in Australia is $98,678 per year or $50.60 per hour. Entry-level positions start at $85,580 per year, while most experienced workers make up to $130,000 per year.
Tasks and Duties:
They may be involved in the strategy, design, development, delivery and maintenance phases of building effective technological solutions.
Researching, consulting, analysing and evaluating system program needs.
Designing, coding, and installing application programs.
Testing, debugging, diagnosing and correcting errors and faults in an applications programming language within established testing protocols.
Writing and maintaining code to meet system requirements, system designs and technical specifications.
Liaising with users and relevant stakeholders.
Information Security Specialist
As an Information Security Analyst you will analyse, assess and investigate vulnerabilities in an organisation’s IT infrastructure (software, hardware, networks, and systems) and help protect information and systems against any cyber-related threats in order to develop a stronger, secure and resilient IT infrastructure.
Courses you can take
Diploma of Cyber Security.
Diploma of Network Security.
Salary
The average cyber security salary in Australia is $116,347 per year or $59.67 per hour. Entry-level positions start at $99,500 per year, while most experienced workers make up to $155,000 per year.
Tasks and duties:
Researching new security technology to decide what will most effectively protect your organisation.
Attending cybersecurity conferences to hear firsthand accounts of other professionals who have experienced new types of cyberattacks.
Reporting directly to upper management and working with the organisation’s computer and information systems manager or Chief Information Technology Officer (CIO) to design security or disaster recovery systems.
Monitoring an organisation’s networks for security breaches and investigating violations.
Installing software, such as firewalls and data encryption programs, to protect sensitive information.
Researching the latest information technology (IT) security trends.
Recommending security enhancements to management or senior IT staff.
Helping computer users when they need to install or learn about new security products and procedures.
Web Developer
A Web Developer is a Software Developer who specialises in the development of websites and other web-based content. They commonly work with programming languages like HTML, CSS, PHP, Java and JavaScript. Many Web Developers specialise in either Front End (user-facing) or Back End (server-side) development, or may be proficient in both, which is known as a Full Stack Developer. Like other Software Developers, Web Developers may work freelance on a contractual basis. They are commonly employed in large tech companies, digital agencies or within IT departments of other businesses.
Courses you can take
Diploma of Information Technology.
Diploma of Website Development.
Salary
The average web developer salary in Australia is $102,653 per year or $52.64 per hour. Entry-level positions start at $90,035 per year, while most experienced workers make up to $137,050 per year.
Tasks and duties:
Analysing project requirements and designing solutions and features.
Creating wireframes and virtual prototypes to illustrate project specifics.
Using computer software and hardware to write and modify programming code.
Testing code for bugs and implementing improvements and fixes.
Developing testing and validation processes.
Deploying code to the live environment.
Backing up websites to mitigate risk in event of disaster or online attacks.
Controlling and enforcing ongoing security and safe hosting of websites through testing processes and liaising with other technical professionals such as web-security experts.
Database and Systems Administrator
Database Administrators are responsible for the efficient access, security and storage of large amounts of data and have good knowledge of data security, backup and disaster recovery procedures. They work with computers daily and are employed by organisations in a broad range of industries, including financial services, insurance, government departments and professional services.
Courses you can take
Diploma of Database Design and Development.
Diploma of Information Technology Systems Administration.
Salary
The average salary for a Database Administrator (DBA) in Australia is AU$72346 and they can earn upto AU$130,000.
Database Administrators control an organisation’s database management systems. They assess user requirements across the organisation and plan, develop, configure and maintain custom databases and their accompanying documentation and protocols.
Tasks and duties:
Designing, developing and maintaining database systems including architecture, structure, tables and naming conventions.
Analysing project requirements and designing conceptual database solutions and features.
Liaising with managers and team members to determine data needs, data flow design and database configuration.
Performing regular data backups and developing data recovery plans.
Testing and upgrading database systems including debugging, tracking, reproducing, logging and resolving issues.
Providing assistance in training of staff on correct use of databases.
Managing distribution and storage protocols of data and databases.
Developing and maintaining data dictionaries including standards, procedures and definitions.
Ensuring optimal performance, integrity and security of database.
Controlling user access and privileges.
Telecommunications Network Engineer
Telecommunications Engineers design, plan and install complex telecommunications systems and networks. They are skilled in the installation and management of Mobile Networks, Internet Protocol (IP) and Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) telecommunications systems.
Telecommunications Engineers are adept at troubleshooting, diagnosing and solving complex technological problems. They are employed by telecommunications providers of all sizes, and their related contractors and suppliers.
Courses you can take
Diploma of Electrical Engineering.
Diploma of Information Technology Networking.
Diploma of Electronics and Communications Engineering.
Advanced Diploma of Electronics and Communications Engineering.
Salary
The average telecommunications engineer salary in Australia is $100,008 per year or $51.29 per hour. Entry-level positions start at $78,094 per year, while most experienced workers make up to $134,501 per year.
Tasks and duties:
Designing, developing, testing and installing voice and data telecommunications networks.
Developing proposals and determining costs and timelines for telecommunications projects.
Testing and implementing new products and services.
Configuring networks and interconnected systems using equipment and components from multiple manufacturers and suppliers.
Researching, analysing and designing system specifications.
Analysing demand data and forecasted network growth to determine capabilities.
Ensuring compliance with regulations and legislation.
Identifying and solving issues with current network systems.
Monitoring systems and identifying needs for upgrades and enhancements.
Deciding the technology and hardware to be used in a network implementation.
Computer Engineer
Computer Engineers plan, develop, manage and optimise computer networks and hardware systems. Unlike Software Engineers, Computer Engineers also work with the hardware components which make up a computer system, as well as integrating software into it.
Computer Engineers are responsible for the installation, performance, maintenance and evaluation of computer systems in a networked configuration. They may also design, develop and test microprocessors and systems for the control of motors, robotics and other computer-controlled products.
Computer Engineers work in a broad range of industries for businesses with large networks of computer systems, in research roles in commercial laboratories, or within the IT department of a business.
Courses you can take
Advanced Diploma of Computer Systems Engineering.
Diploma of Information Technology Networking.
Salary
The average salary for a computer engineer is $76,024 per year in Australia. while most experienced workers make up to $100,000.
Tasks and duties:
Researching, analysing, evaluating and monitoring network infrastructure to ensure networks are configured to operate at optimal performance.
Assessing and recommending improvements to network operations and integrated hardware, software, communications and operating systems.
Installing, configuring, testing, maintaining and administering new and upgraded networks, software database applications, servers and workstations.
Designing and testing network programming in support of specific business needs.
Preparing and maintaining procedures and documentation for network inventory.
Recording diagnosis and resolution of network faults, enhancements and modifications to networks, and maintenance instructions.
Monitoring network traffic as well as activity, capacity and usage to ensure continued integrity and optimal network performance.
Other Careers that are projected to have job growths in the next few years:
IT Systems Architect
.Net Developer
Data Analyst
DevOps Engineer
Game Designer
Network Engineer