Archived News for IT Professionals - October, 2011
Despite the ICT industry's role in developing technologies that enable people with disabilities to be accommodated in workplaces, the industry itself still discriminates against such people and is thus ignoring a large and potentially valuable pool of talent, a new report claims.
The report 'Disability and ICT: Re-think the Equation and Review the Opportunity', was produced by the Information Technology Contract & Recruitment Association (ICTRA).
According to the report: "While people with a disability form the largest section of the 'untapped' workforce, they are also the least likely to be included in an untapped workforce strategy by ICT recruiters in Australia and New Zealand and may have more hurdles to jump to access employment."
ICTRA CEO, Julie Mills, said: "People with disability form around 20 percent of the population and 10 percent of the workforce, and present a huge opportunity for companies struggling to improve workplace productivity and minimise skills shortages.
"Yet recruiters and employers often appear to discount accessing this group as a potential resource, instead focusing on other more publicised marginalised workers such as those returning to work after childbirth, indigenous workers or graduates."
An ICTRA survey of its members found that, of the half that had a diversity strategy, only 15 percent identified people with disability as a potential talent pool.
"This talent pool is too large to ignore, especially when considering that many disabilities may provide little to no negative impact on an ICT employer," ICTRA said.
According to ICTRA, the situation is changing and both employers and recruiters will need to adapt. "The Australian Public Service Commission is already expecting Australian Public Service organisations to provide metrics on how they are achieving success in hiring, retaining and accommodating the needs of people with disabilities."
Further information about the report can be found at http://itcra.com.au/programs-services/resource-library
UWA joins supercomputing ranks
The University of Western Australia has purchased a new Fornax supercomputer that will allow UWA scientists to explore new, previously inaccessible areas of high-powered data research.
Neural Engineering Centre launches
The University of Melbourne has launched its new Centre for Neural Engineering, aimed at building a more complete understanding of the human brain and the diseases that effects the central nervous system.
Digital culture forum held
The Federal Government has conducted a forum in Sydney in an attempt form a strategy platform for how the government can best support, develop and export Australia’s digital arts and culture.
FTTH to outstrip ADSL by 2015
Research firm Telsyte has found that the National Broadband Network (NBN) direct fibre-to-the-home (FTTH) connections will exceed ADSL services by 2015, with an estimated three million connections in 2015 and 4.2 million by 2017.
Transfield Services secures Telstra contract
Transfield Services has secured a contract with Telstra to continue providing engineering services and upgrades to Telstra's exchange infrastructure assets across Australia.
DFAT IT contract goes to tender
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) has released a request for tender (RFT) for a supplier to provide a comprehensive and integrated new system for issuing passports.
Mobile wireless connections more popular than DSL
The number of mobile wireless internet connections (excluding mobile handsets) exceeds the number of DSL connections in Australia for the first time, according to a report released today by the Australian Bureau of Statistics.
At the end of June 2011, mobile wireless broadband (excluding mobile handsets) connections accounted for 44% of all internet connections. DSL connections account for 41% of all connections.
Overall, internet subscribers in Australia climbed 4.4% to 10.9 million in the six months to June 2011, up from 10.4 million in December 2010.
At the end of June 2011, there were 9.7 million mobile handset internet subscribers in Australia, an increase of 18.1% from December 2010.
Further information is available in Internet Activity, Australia
UTS partners with telecommunications giant to provide ICT training
The University of Technology Sydney has announced a partnership program with by telecommunications giant Alcatel-Lucent which will see a new ICT training program available at the university from the first semester of the 2012 education year.
Apps spell end for Parramatta's parking problems
A new app developed for Parramatta City Council will see users track free car spaces in real time using their smart-phone GPS display. The free Parra Smart Parking application enables users to touch on any of the locations to view car park details including up-to-the-minute occupancy rates.