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Government of South Australia - Department of State Development

    Technology and Artificial Intelligence (AI)

    Significant investment in technology and artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming how industries operate and opening up exciting new career opportunities

    These advancements – across autonomous systems, robotics, quantum technologies, biotechnologies, and clean energy generation and storage – are also reshaping the skills and capabilities needed for emerging careers.

    Top 10 occupations in demand

    The state of the industry now

    AIMLHome to the Australian Institute of Machine Learning
    12% pa growth(estimated) in AI and advanced ICT investment
    Data Centre Strategy released
    Learn more

    Interested in developing skills for jobs in Tech and AI?

    What’s driving demand?

    Investment in AI technologies and advanced information and communication technologies and data analytics has been growing at an estimated 12 percent per annum in Australia [13].

    This is driven by government-led initiatives and private sector innovation, leading to new applications across sectors from finance to health care and clean energy.

    South Australia also has a strong AI research base – driven by the Australian Institute for Machine Learning (AIML) and collaboration with Adelaide University. AIML is recognised as one of the top AI and computer vision research institutions globally.

    Links with a network of AI startups and businesses have positioned the state strongly in the global race to capitalise on AI technologies across government and private sectors, boosting productivity, attracting investment, and providing better services for the population [14].

    The state also has a number of operating data centres, with more in the pipeline, providing the computing power AI models need to operate.

    Data centres represent a significant economic opportunity, which can bring high-quality jobs, and new opportunities for regional communities.

    Major government initiatives driving demand

    • The South Australian Government has supported development of innovation precincts – including Lot Fourteen and Tonsley –to build a skilled workforce capable of navigating the complexities of emerging technologies and sustainable energy solutions.
      The precincts enhance collaboration between academia, industry, and government to accelerate the translation of research into commercial outcomes [15].
    • The Australian Institute for Machine Learning (AIML), located at Lot Fourteen, is supported by the South Australian Government and Adelaide University. The Institute conducts globally competitive research and development in AI, machine learning, computer vision and deep learning.
    • The South Australian Government’s Data Centre Strategy, aims to capitalise on demands for computing power, setting out a plan for responsible data centre development.
    • The Digital Investment Fund (DIF) drives strategic and targeted investment in cyber security and digital initiatives across the South Australian public sector to maximise the benefits of AI applications across policing, health care and other priority areas [16].

    Skills in demand

    Skills transforming technology-focused roles

    South Australia’s emerging technologies landscape is evolving rapidly, with automation and AI transforming traditional roles. There is a growing need for workers skilled in advanced digital tools and technologies, including in:

    • data analytics
    • machine learning
    • cloud computing, and
    • cybersecurity.

    Emerging roles such as robotics engineers, quantum computing analysts and renewable energy technologists are also expected to be critical to Australia’s economic future

    These roles require a mix of technical and problem-solving skills, such as programming, working with robotic process automation (RPA), understanding quantum algorithms, and managing renewable energy systems.

    New AI roles

    Rapid AI adoption across industries, has also seen the emergence of new AI jobs and titles, with roles especially designed to manage responsible and ethical use of AI. For example, across Australia, and in our state recently, Seek has advertised for:

    • AI Ethics and Privacy Specialist
    • AI Analyst Governance
    • AI Governance – Lead
    • AI Content Creator
    • AI Content Trainer
    • AI Transformation Lead.

    Preparing the broader workforce

    Successfully preparing our workforce for an AI-enabled economy means enabling most workers to confidently use AI tools in their everyday work, with no major cohorts excluded from participation due to access or skills gaps.

    This is critical to ensure workers can move effectively from declining roles into growing sectors, and provides high levels of confidence among workers, employers, and the community.

    Top 10 occupations in demand and shortage status

    Occupation*Level of future demandYears in shortage**Training pathway
    Software and Applications ProgrammersStrongNo shortageHigher Education
    ICT ManagersStrongNo shortageVET or Higher Education
    ICT Support TechniciansStrongNo shortageVET or Higher Education
    Database and Systems Administrators, and ICT Security SpecialistsStrongNo shortageVET or Higher Education
    Electrical EngineersStrongShortage since 2021Higher Education
    Graphic and Web Designers, and IllustratorsStrongNo shortageVET or Higher Education
    Computer Network ProfessionalsStrongNo shortageVET or Higher Education
    ICT Business and Systems AnalystsStrongNo shortageHigher Education
    ICT Sales Assistants

    Moderate

    		N/AVET or Higher Education
    Electronics Trades Workers

    Moderate

    		Shortage since 2022Higher Education

    * As defined in Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations, 2022 Australian Update

    ** According to Jobs and Skills Australia’s Occupation Shortage Lists (for South Australia)

    Skill shortage definition: Shortages exist when employers are unable to fill or have considerable difficulty filling vacancies for an occupation - or significant specialised skill needs within that occupation - at current levels of remuneration and conditions of employment and in reasonably accessible locations. Jobs and Skills Australia 2024.

    Workforce development planning

    Recent policy frameworks highlight the state and federal government’s commitment to digital resilience and economic competitiveness.

    The South Australian Government’s Office for AI, is developing strategies to guide the responsible use of AI for the benefit of the community, economy, and public sector and skills development in digital, technology and cybersecurity remain a priority across the training system.

    Fee-Free TAFE and vocational education includes technology and digital as a priority area, supporting South Australians to build skills for current and emerging workforce needs.

    Education and training providers are continuing to respond to changing industry needs by supporting pathways into digital, technology, cybersecurity and AI-related roles.

    This includes training that helps people develop practical skills in areas such as data, software, systems support and cyber security.

    Support to develop skills or undertake training

    The South Australian Government and industry have taken significant steps to develop the skilled workforce that aligns with technological shifts and arising opportunities.

    TAFE SA National Security Centre of Excellence

    This Centre of Excellence, an Australian and South Australian Government initiative, will build a workforce to enhance and protect Australia's national security.

    Located in TAFE SA's Regency campus, the Centre of Excellence will focus on improving understanding of cybersecurity, information security and foreign interference risks.

    Learn more

    Australian Institute of Machine Learning partnerships

    The Industrial AI SME Grant Program connects eligible SMEs with expert engineers from the Australian Institute for Machine Learning (AIML) to explore how AI may help solve business challenges.

    Learn more

    Digital skills cadetships

    Around Australia, cadetships and traineeships are emerging as alternative, work-based pathways into various information technology roles.

    SA Power Networks’ Cyber Kickstart Program is one example of a cadetship that prepares people for a cyber career by combining structured learning with work alongside industry professionals. The Australian Public Service also runs a Data and Digital Cadetship program.

    Learn more

    Cybersecurity Degree Apprenticeship

    Flinders University is launching this new Degree Apprenticeship in 2027, with expressions of interest open now.

    Learn more

    Fee-free TAFE and VET options

    A number of technology and AI related courses, including cyber security and programming, are covered under the Fee-Free TAFE or vocational education and training (VET) pathways.

    Learn more

    References

    [12] https://statedevelopment.sa.gov.au/file/downloads/excite-strategy (page 28), accessed 29 August 2025

    [13] https://www.globaldata.com/media/technology/enterprise-ict-market-revenue-in-australia-to-witness-12-cagr-over-2023-2028-forecasts-globaldata/

    [14] https://statedevelopment.sa.gov.au/critical-technologies/sa-ai-capabilities

    [15] South Australian Innovation Hub. (2024). Collaborative Initiatives and Industry Partnerships

    [16] https://www.statebudget.sa.gov.au/our-budget/digital-capabilities