The ICT Advantage: Learn It. Get Rewarded for It.
Technology is changing the landscape of our lives – whether it’s for business or for personal purposes. Digital systems of any form affect our day-to-day – from simple email forwarding to the more complex programs that drive businesses to operate efficiently. Technology has created the most impact in terms of quality of lifestyle, increases in the number of job posts, and added efficiency in both private and public institutions. And it does not stop there. Technology is also a driver for change – the ultimate source for creativity and innovation. Each development made in the digital sphere leads to a new kind of system that can lead to society’s exponential progress.
The Foundation of Young Australians produced a report, The New Work Order, which predicts ninety percent (90%) of the workforce will require basic computer literacy skill sets in the next five years. FYA Chief Executive Jan Owen states that based on the report, at least fifty percent (50%) of workers need advanced skills to build digital systems, and ninety percent (90%) will need basic digital skills such as using company software to perform their roles.
Currently, universities have adjusted their programs to include IT components, to make sure that graduates are not left behind. Griffith University Sciences Pro Vice Chancellor Professor Andrew T. Smith says “In a future landscape in which graduates will have multiple careers including many posts that don’t currently exist or which may be overseas, remaining flexible and relevant is key. A strong IT component will be an important pillar in this future tool set, so this trend is likely to continue and strengthen.”
Unfortunately, the number of people who are struggling with computer literacy is still high. The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) published a survey on adult skills, and the numbers show that almost twenty five percent (25%) do not know how to use computers, and a staggering majority know a few of the basic skills. Only approximately five percent (5%) had strong computer literacy and problem-solving skills. It is strongly recommended that individuals in any profession should have basic information and communication technology skills among their arsenal of qualifications. Almost every job needs some form of computer know-how, and even simple tasks such as communication will not be possible without knowing the basic skills.
The Advantages To Learning ICT
1. Increased quality of relationships
“Communication is the fuel that keeps the fire of your relationship burning. Without it, your relationship goes cold.” – William Paisley
Staying connected is vital for all relationships to last. Using technology to increase the frequency and quality of your communication with loved ones can prevent you from having relationship drifts and make them feel that they are important to you. Email, texting, video calls – technology presents many ways for you to communicate.
2. Tools for self-development
“If you wish to achieve worthwhile things in your personal and career life, you must become a worthwhile person in your own self-development.” – Brian Tracy
In almost every area of yourself that you need to develop, the internet has become a quick resource for information that used to be inaccessible to most. There are hundreds upon thousands, if not millions, of resources that cover almost any topic under the sun. Ebooks, blogs, self-assessment tools, exams, modules – basically a plethora of information in the most number of digital forms, immediately available for your consumption.
3. Standing out in the Job Pool
“Be so good they can’t ignore you.” – Steve Martin
As the numbers show above, if you want to stand out among the hundreds vying for the same job post, you need to be able to go beyond just surfing the internet. You need to prove that you can become an asset to any business by having both the soft and hard skills related to ICT that will enable you to contribute to business growth.
If you want to stand out among the hundreds vying for the same job post, you need to be able to go beyond just surfing the internet. Click to Tweet
4. Increased performance at work
“Always do your best. What you plant now, you will harvest later.” – Og Mandino
It is easy to be a good employee, doing enough to get by each day and just “keep” your job. However, if you want more for your career, and you would want to be the preferred candidate for a promotion, or perhaps transfer and expose yourself to a bigger, better opportunity, then having the right set of ICT skills will open doors for you. Making standout presentations, being able to compile and analyze data for critical decision making, answering to clients’ inquiries faster than anyone – the list of possibilities to produce excellent work is endless.
5. Equal Opportunities in Entrepreneurship
“Opportunity dances with those on the dance floor.” — Anonymous
An online revolution has begun, and it has never been this easy to setup, promote, or grow your business. According to a report by eMarketer, Australia’s total online sales are forecast to exceed $32 billion in 2017. Practitioners use websites as a promotion tool to either increase their credibility, or as a medium for additional profit points. Ecommerce allows what once was a hobby to become an income generating project that can reach a global market. Do you have a full time job but would like to have extra income, or perhaps you would like to test a new business idea without taking on the brunt and risks of opening a conventional “brick and mortar” store? No worries. For the fraction of a cost of setting up a traditional business, you can setup your online venture in no time, with minimal risk, and a lot of flexibility.
6. Sustainable Business Growth
“No company can afford not to move forward. It may be at the top of the heap today but at the bottom of the heap tomorrow, if it doesn’t.” – James Cash Penney, founder, JC Penney
Used wisely, digital technology can catapult any business to new heights. Internet connectivity has become a basic need, allowing business communication and processing to be more efficient and effective across all stakeholders, both internal and external. Social Media has become more effective in reaching your target market and building your brand image. Mobile Technology is now becoming the fastest medium for communication and distribution. Cloud Computing and Data Analytics has aided top management in problem solving, innovation & product development, and critical decision making worldwide. CRM systems have given companies an edge over competitors, by being the first, the fastest, or most frequent in meeting their clients’ needs. For a business to thrive, it must be adaptable to most technological changes that are happening at a rapid pace.
These are just some of the rewards of learning ICT. At LearnMe, you can get the right skills you need for your career or business, by enrolling in our Nationally Accredited ICT Training Programs. Don’t get left behind. Increase your chances for better opportunities. Check out this link to know more about how LearnMe can equip you for a rewarding future.
