The Morrison Government welcomes new research released today that demonstrates a strong connection between the rollout of the National Broadband Network (NBN) and the upskilling of Australia's next generation workforce.
The new Alpha Beta research shows skills in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM), combined with strong entrepreneurial skills, are increasingly important to the future workforce.
Minister for Communications, Cyber Safety and the Arts, the Hon Paul Fletcher MP, said the Government's clear and effective focus on connecting all Australians to fast broadband as soon as possible is a vital enabler of the next generation being ready for the workforce of the future.
"This research makes clear that access to the high-speed broadband on the NBN is helping to build digital literacy skills and power entrepreneurship," Minister Fletcher said.
Key findings of Bright Futures: Laying the foundations for the workforce of tomorrow include:
- Increasing need for digital literacy: high growth jobs demand digital literacy skills almost 7 times more frequently than occupations becoming less prevalent.
- Enabling entrepreneurship: the NBN is helping power a rise in entrepreneurship, with 40% reported to be women.
- Upskilling for the future: by 2030 the use of STEM skills at work will almost double.
- Adapting students: primary school students in NBN-connected areas spend 75 minutes per week extra on homework online than those without NBN connections.
Today, 4 out of 5 homes and businesses can connect to high speed broadband on the NBN and more than 5.5 million Australians have already connected.
The Government remains on track to connect every Australian home and business to affordable, high-speed broadband by 2020.
The report is available at: www.connectingaustralia.com.au
