A $60 million project that will establish the Digital Technologies Academy at Lot Fourteen has been given the green light under the Adelaide City Deal. 

In order to meet the rapidly growing demand of tech-savvy professionals across a broad range of high-tech sectors, the new Digital Technologies Academy will be offering digital technologies and cyber-related education and training to thousands of South Australians. 

The Academy supports the Adelaide City Deal’s vision of an industry-focused training institution that is designed to produce job-ready graduates, realigning it towards the innovation and technology sectors. 

Aside from this, the establishment will support Lot Fourteen as a global innovation and technology precinct as it will provide the knowledge and skills that will fill the future pipeline of high-tech jobs in South Australia. 

With Deloitte Access Economics forecasting the number of technology workers in Australia to pass 1 million in 2024, world-leading digital technology firms are already investing in Adelaide to employ large workforces that will meet their business needs. 

South Australian Premier Steven Marshall stated that it was vital for the South Australian Government to train enough talent as more tech and cyber jobs are coming to the state.

“South Australia is unashamedly the space, defence and cyber state – it’s my aim to create a pipeline of jobs in these industries so we can put the brain-drain behind us and be the country’s beacon for major companies in these areas,” Premier Marshall said. 

“Increasing digital skills and capabilities is crucial to driving innovation and productivity in South Australia while enabling our businesses to remain internationally competitive.” 

Federal Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts Paul Fletcher said the Academy was another example of the positive collaboration that is fostered through the Adelaide City Deal, which is delivering transformational infrastructure that enhances the vibrancy and liveability of the CBD.

“The new Digital Technologies Academy will help provide South Australians with the necessary skills to fill the many high-value tech jobs already on offer across the state – a number that is expected to grow significantly in the future,” Minister Fletcher said. 

“The Morrison Government is making significant investments in growing the digital and tech sector, including through our Digital Economy Strategy 2030 and Australia’s Cyber Security Strategy 2020, and now through the establishment of the Digital Technologies Academy here in Adelaide.”

Lot Fourteen’s State Project Lead Di Dixon says the Academy could be a highly complementary addition to the hi-tech research and industry focus at Lot Fourteen. 

“A new educational facility, aligning closely with the vision and objectives of Lot Fourteen, would be another fantastic business attractor for the innovation district and the state,” she said. 

“Lot Fourteen provides companies with the opportunity for co-location with like-minded businesses, curating a collaborative ecosystem of entrepreneurs and innovators in space, defence, hi-tech and creative industries.” 

The next steps for the project include detailed project scoping with a view to commencing construction in late 2023. 

The Adelaide City Deal is a 10-year partnership between the Australian and South Australian governments and the City of Adelaide to deliver $699 million of new government investment in Adelaide with an aim to grow Adelaide’s innovation economy. 

This article was first published on CommsRoom

Eliza Sayon

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Eliza is a content producer and editor at Public Spectrum. She is an experienced writer on topics related to the government and to the public, as well as stories that uplift and improve the community.

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