Australians favour IT & language skills, Udemy report reveals

The landscape of employable skills is evolving rapidly around the globe, including Australia, with online learning platforms offering individuals a chance to adapt and upskill. Udemy, a worldwide online learning platform, recently shed light on the most in-demand job skills searched for and learned online by Australians through its Q1 2024 Global Workplace Learning Index. The report provides unique insights into the most sought-after skills that are aiding companies in retaining their competitive edge in this fast-paced global economy.

The data derived from the report reveals a high consumption of IT certification courses in Australia, with over 10 million enrolments in the past year alone. This surge in interest and enrolments suggests that Australians are cognizant of the criticality of staying updated and skilled in the face of advancing technologies. The significant number of enrolments also indicates that individuals are investing in their learning to not only remain relevant in their current positions but also to potentially expand their career horizons or switch industries.

Outcome-based learning is another trend that emerged in the report. The focus on achieving specific results, be it job-related or otherwise, is leading Australians to prefer learning content that promises tangible outcomes. Such courses can range from teaching specific software, a new language, a project management method, or an entirely new skill set. This shift in learning preference underscores a pragmatic approach to education, where learners want to see a direct application in their day-to-day lives, jobs, or career prospects.

The desire to learn new languages was also a significant trend in the report. This shows an increased global outlook among Australians, as learning a new language often suggests the intention of either moving to a new country, working in a multinational environment or having an interest in cross-cultural communication. The trend is a testament to the growing global interconnectedness and reflects how Australians are preparing themselves to function better in this interlinked world.

The insights provided by Udemy's report are significant for individuals, educators, employers, and decision-makers alike. They shed light on changing learning preferences, the areas individuals are focusing on for self-improvement, and the skills they deem important for their current and future career paths. This data can inform the development of learning content and guide companies in understanding what skills they should be looking for or nurturing within their teams.