Digital Career Compass Program
Digital Career Compass is a technology-focused upskilling program aiming to help close the growing skills gap in Australia’s technology industry by empowering diverse communities to thrive in the digital ecosystem.
Australia is grappling with a significant shortage of technology skills. Our digital ecosystem needs an additional 300,000 tech workers by 2030 to meet industry demands and maintain international competitiveness. Traditional sources of technology talent - workers transitioning into technology roles, migrating from overseas and finishing tech qualifications - are under pressure, while many Australians1 still lack understanding of foundational concepts like AI and coding; all of which could jeopardise Australia’s ability to meet the demand for digital talent.
These ecosystem challenges are compounded by the lack of diversity in the tech sector: women still comprise less than 30% of the tech workforce, significantly lower than other professional sectors2; while additional barriers - including limited opportunities for Indigenous Australians, older Australians, people with disabilities, and Australians living regionally - hinder broader participation.
1. 50%, as at 2023. Source: ACS Australia's Digital Pulse 2023 - A New Approach
2. Source: ACS Australia’s Digital Pulse 2024 - Decoding the Digital Decade
“If we want to build a truly future-proof tech workforce, we need to focus on diversity. And diversity isn’t just about fairness or representation—it’s about innovation. Diverse teams bring diverse ideas, different ways of thinking, and innovative solutions”
- Tina McCreery, Chief Human Resources Officer, Deloitte Australia
The Digital Career Compass Program [DCC] is a strategic initiative aiming to address Australia’s skills shortage and boost diversity in the technology sector by providing supported pathways into tech for underrepresented communities of Australians.
Designed by Deloitte and delivered in collaboration with our technology partners, the Digital Career Compass Program equips participants with foundational technology skills, industry-recognised certifications, and business readiness. The program is entirely free for participants, and offers a part time, wholly virtual and largely self-paced learning experience focused on building essential business and technical skills. Delivered in stages, the curriculum includes live masterclasses, expert support, small group mentoring, and a sponsored certification during the final program stage.
By partnering with not-for-profit organisations, DCC ensures access to the program for hundreds of participants from diverse, and often disadvantaged, communities each year.
“I believe firmly that talent can come from anywhere. When you invite people in who have come through non-traditional paths, often you get better outcomes.”
– Wendie Lee, (formerly) CIO, Morgans Financial
Digital Career Compass is now an established model that has delivered on its promise of diverse talent and social impact. For Australia’s technology ecosystem, this translates into net new talent pools that are experienced, loyal, and skilled in foundation and emerging areas of technology, including Generative and Agentic AI.
For technology partners and clients, the program has also delivered deeper connections built on shared values, through collaboration on an initiative that is truly making an impact. The program contributes significantly to Deloitte’s WorldClass goals – a global commitment to impact 100 million futures through education by 2030.
Each year, hundreds of participants in the DCC program gain valuable technology and business upskilling, the opportunity to gain a sponsored certification, and the ability to build their network and confidence while they build their skills.
The flexibility of the program enables participants to balance learning with existing commitments, while its emphasis on inclusivity fosters a welcoming, supportive environment—resulting in high completion rates and continuing real-world success beyond graduation.
“Deloitte’s DCC Program, in addition to providing a valuable upskilling opportunity, boosts participants’ confidence and changes how they view themselves and their value in the job market.”
– Olivia Ruello, Head of Partnerships, Future Women
