May 2017

14 APAC / May 2017 , expertise, guaranteeing network operators access to the best possible working practices and industry knowledge. We have re-designed a number of client training programs for Australia’s largest telecommunications companies using a career pathways methodology, to deliver efficiencies and provide a conduit for highly skilled resources to proceed through the various levels of new accreditations more rapidly. We preserve the skills of the most talented resources by using them in a training or consulting capacity. “Additionally, we utilise our traineeship and apprenticeship programs to attract new talent to ensure a pipeline of entrants into the workforce. By assigning new resources to a mentor and providing hands-on work experience, they benefit from the knowledge and technique of a practiced technician and develop more quickly, than those sent to work on their own immediately.” Looking to the future, Ray views Australia as a country of early technology adopters and with the growing acceptance of the Internet of Things (IoT) as the next big technology wave, BSA is gaining traction as knowledgeable and trusted advisor for businesses looking to adopt an IoT strategy. As such, BSA is exploring various opportunities to support enterprise customers through the implementation of IoT applications, complexities of connectivity, data management and handling change within their transforming business. Underpinning these professional services, are BSA’s IoT specialists and network of experienced business partners, as Ray explains. “Fundamentally, BSA is investing in people to achieve our IoT vision. Our clients are seeking trusted advisors to help navigate the complex IoT landscape. BSA intends to provide them not only with expert consultants, but also a next generation workforce that can bring IoT concepts into reality.” When questioned about resourcing for IoT, Ray refers to an ACS and Deloitte report that identifies an increased demand for ICT workers of 100,000 by 2020 due to the growth of digital technologies in Australia. BSA plans to tackle this resourcing challenge head on, by developing and delivering training programs to boost ICT skills in collaboration with technology vendors and employers. Ray believes that the digital disruption has changed the way the industry should look at ICT resourcing requirements and encourage the development of skilled workers across a diverse range of professions with differing levels of competency. He most excited by the notion that IoT will open employment opportunities for young Australian job seekers with a certificate level qualification. These jobs may include an IoT assembler, service technician, customer support, data administrator and analyst or an infrastructure installer. With thanks to the Australian Government’s Smart Cities initiative, Ray looks forward seeing more ICT jobs available outside of the capital cities. City Deals, such as the Townsville City Deal are focused on improving the liveability of the chosen city through job creation, economic growth and investment in infrastructure. IoT will play a huge part in how these cities aim to become more efficient and achieve sustainability benefits., as he proudly concludes. “As an agile and innovative business, the BSA team is very excited to participate in a range of IoT programs in the near future and is proud to support the industry by delivering experts to the areas of need. Because people are the heart of our business, we expect to have a presence physically on the ground delivering IoT infrastructure projects and all the way through to the top, in the form of thought leadership and business transformation.”