The Visual Media Association is keen for its members to read and learn from a recently released Digital Technology Cross-Industry Sector report, prepared by the ACFIPS ITAB, in conjunction with NSW Government, to investigate the evolving digital skill needs across seven key vocational education sectors in New South Wales: Property Services, Creative Arts and Culture, Asset Maintenance and Surveying, Financial Services, Business Services, Information Technology and Telecommunications, and Printing and Graphic Arts.
94% of respondents believe jobs now demand more digital skills than just two years ago, yet over 93% reported a significant gap between industry requirements and current training offerings
Through extensive research, surveys, focus groups, and stakeholder consultations, the report identifies critical digital skill gaps, emerging technology trends, and the future workforce requirements shaping each of these industry sectors. A clear and urgent theme emerged: digital fluency is no longer optional: it is essential.
Survey findings revealed that 94% of respondents believe jobs now demand more digital skills than just two years ago, yet over 93% reported a significant gap between industry requirements and current training offerings. Foundational digital competencies such as cyber security, cloud computing, data analysis, and effective digital communication are now baseline expectations across all sectors. The report also uncovered key emerging technologies reshaping industry practices, including artificial intelligence (AI), cloud-based collaboration tools, cyber security protocols, data analytics, automation, and immersive technologies such as virtual and augmented reality (VR/AR). These technologies are becoming embedded in roles beyond IT, influencing operations, service delivery, and customer engagement across all job functions.
The report also highlights several challenges, such as the resistance to adopting new technologies, especially in legacy systems and misalignment between training content and real-world digital systems.
Interestingly, the report related to the Printing and Graphic Arts was quite positive, with digital competencies widely recognised as essential in this sector and a strong presence of digital skill integration across current qualification and training opportunities. Out of 436 units reviewed, 98.4% include digital content, particularly in core units focusing on design, pre-press operations, digital printing, and production workflows. While a small number of elective units still reflect traditional print processes, the training package overall demonstrates a growing shift toward digital-first technologies, aligning with industry practice and modern production environments.
The audit confirms that digital competencies are widely recognised as essential in the sector, especially given the convergence of design, print, and digital media. There is a growing expectation for professionals to move fluidly between print and digital design contexts, manage production from cloud-based systems, and understand client-facing digital tools. However, the pace of change - driven by automation, digital publishing, and smart printing technologies - necessitates ongoing updates to training content to ensure graduates are equipped for both current and emerging job roles.
VMA CEO Kellie NorthwoodKellie Northwood, CEO of the VMA, says: “Clearly, digital fluency is no longer a competitive advantage, it’s an operational necessity. Our members must be equipped with the skills to work across cloud platforms, manage digital workflows, and deliver creative output that spans both print and digital channels.”
“We need graduates who can hit the ground running. Employers are telling us that scenario-based assessments and real-world simulations, like managing a job through a digital production system, are essential to workforce readiness.”
The report also calls for new micro-credentials in areas such as variable data printing, design automation, and digital proofing, with stakeholders pushing for modular learning that can quickly respond to shifts in client expectations and production technologies.
Northwood concludes: “The future of our industry relies on agile, digitally confident professionals who can operate across platforms and adapt to constant change.”
A full copy of the report can be found here .
