Blogs
Too Old for Tech? The Myth Holding Australia Back.
New tools, platforms and ways of working are emerging constantly, reshaping the roles businesses need and the skills required to succeed. Staying relevant is as much about keeping up as it is about embracing a mindset of continuous growth.
But for many seasoned professionals, the journey isn’t just about learning new skills. The hard part can be overcoming barriers that shouldn’t exist, like ageism.
The Ageism Barrier in Australian Tech
Ageism in Australian workplaces is real. According to the Australian Seniors Series: Ageing in the Workforce 2021, 20.7% of Australians aged 50+ reported experiencing age discrimination in the workplace, nearly double the 9.6% reported in 2016.
Additional research from the Australian Human Rights Commission and Australian HR Institute indicates that only about half of HR professionals surveyed are open to hiring workers over 50, highlighting ongoing recruitment biases.
At the same time, the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare shows that workforce participation among older Australians is rising, from 11% in 2010 to 15% in 2021.
These stats underscore a clear tension: older tech professionals are increasingly active in the workforce, but many still face barriers that undervalue experience.
Upskilling: A Strategy for Every Stage of Your Career
Upskilling isn’t just for younger tech talent. It benefits individuals at every stage of their career. For seasoned professionals, embracing new technologies demonstrates adaptability, resilience and a commitment to growth.
Importantly, it also counters ageist biases. By staying current with emerging tech, experienced professionals can show that their value isn’t defined by age but instead by skill, perspective and innovation.
Practical Steps for Upskilling
- Identify Relevant Skills – Focus on trending areas like cloud computing, AI, cybersecurity and data analytics.
- Leverage Online Learning Platforms – Coursera, LinkedIn Learning, edX, and other platforms make upskilling practical and flexible.
- Engage in Community Learning – Join tech meetups, webinars and forums to learn from peers and experts.
- Apply Knowledge Practically – Contribute to side projects, hackathons or open-source initiatives to build hands-on experience.
- Champion Inclusive Workplaces – Support policies that promote diversity, equity and inclusion, ensuring opportunities for professionals of all ages.
The Cost of Ageism
The tech industry thrives on innovation, and innovation thrives on diversity. Older tech professionals bring experience, critical thinking and problem-solving skills that younger workers can complement. But only if workplaces value their contributions.
Upskilling isn’t just about learning tools; it’s about staying visible, relevant and empowered in a landscape that’s constantly evolving.
The start of a new year is an opportunity to reflect, reassess and make intentional decisions about your career. For tech professionals, planning now can help you take advantage of opportunities, navigate emerging trends and advancing your career. This guide offers practical steps to help you consider, prepare and take confident action in the months ahead. Reflect on your career to date Review your achievements, projects and skills gained over the past year. Consider what worked well and what you’d like to change in your next role. Factor in responsibilities, team dynamics and company culture. Identify gaps in your knowledge or experience and set concrete goals to address them. Tip: Focus on showing how you apply your skills in real contexts. Link them to projects, roles and education to help hiring managers understand your impact. Suggesting clear examples and outcomes makes your profile stand out. Helpful resource: How to Highlight Skills on LinkedIn to Get Noticed (LinkedIn Business Talent Blog) provides tips on listing and structuring skills that attract recruiter attention. Understand the tech market Look at which areas of tech are hiring and in demand (e.g., data, cloud, cybersecurity). Track early hiring signals - new team expansions, company announcements, published salary guides or roles being filled quickly. Consider how your skillset aligns with market demand and where you could add unique value. Helpful resource: Stay up to date on tech hiring trends and market insights by following Tech & Data People on LinkedIn
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Welcome to Lunch With a Leader, where the Tech & Data People team sits down with IT leaders to uncover their career insights, challenges, and industry perspectives. Each conversation brings valuable lessons, trends, and advice to help our community grow and thrive. Grab a seat at the table and take in the insights from some of the best in the business.
Spoiler: “Competitive salary” isn’t the hook you think it is.
Welcome to Lunch with a Leader, where the Tech & Data People team sits down with IT leaders to uncover their career insights, challenges, and industry perspectives. Each conversation brings valuable lessons, trends, and advice to help our community grow and thrive. Grab a seat at the table and take in the insights from some of the best in the business.
Welcome to Lunch with a Leader, where the Tech & Data People team sits down with IT leaders to uncover their career insights, challenges, and industry perspectives. Each conversation brings valuable lessons, trends, and advice to help our community grow and thrive. Grab a seat at the table and take in the insights from some of the best in the business.
Why the way you brief, partner, and align at the top matters more than ever.
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