Thriving in the Digital Revolution: What skills do you need to succeed in the age of technology?

As the Digital Revolution takes shape, learn from RMIT’s Apple Foundation Program mentors about the skills you need to thrive in a digital economy.

The Apple Foundation Program at RMIT aims to empower students with skills in technology, creativity and entrepreneurship. It’s a free, four-week program where students are introduced to the fundamentals of app development.

We asked program mentors Beck Storer and Steph Worladge to tell us about what digital skills, ways of working and design thinking processes that employers look for in current and future employees.

Design Thinking

Design thinking is an extension of innovation that allows you to design solutions for end users with a single problem statement in mind.

“Design Thinking’ creates a lens to see how effectively creativity can be embedded into everything we do to change, evolve and improve in our world,” said Beck.

“It sets the stage of deep enquiry research, empowers us to be brave with our ideas, to lean into our vulnerability to make mistakes and to learn from them while always reflecting and growing through the creative journey.”

Design Thinking is used by a variety of businesses, including tech giants like Apple. It helps businesses by optimising the process of product creation, marketing, and renewal of contracts, as well as functions like IT deployments and customer feedback.

Digital literacy fundamentals

“With the increasing use of technology, digital literacy and proficiency in various tools and platforms will be crucial,” said Steph.

“Skills like as coding, data analysis, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and machine learning will continue to be in high demand.”

“Currently, there isn’t enough qualified developers in Australia to meet the increasing demand for jobs, and research shows this skills shortage will cost the economy $10 billion by 2025,” said Beck.

The role of software programmers and other support professionals such as researchers and UI and UX designers are high in demand in Australia. The RMIT Apple Foundation Program is a proactive response to this demand as it introduces students to a highly sought-after transferable skill set.

Woman and young male student sitting at desk with several laptops open in front of them learning the Apple Foundation Program.

Students can learn essential skills in technology, creativity and entrepreneurship through the The Apple Foundation Program.

Creativity and innovation

“Every idea has a story to tell, and our role when facilitating and mentoring the RMIT Apple Foundation Program is to embed confidence in students to share their creativity and solution to the world,” explained Beck.

“Students gain these valuable skills to share their innovative ideas with potential investors, clients and users. You may have the best idea in the world, but if you can’t clearly communicate it, it will never be seen or heard!”

“The ability to generate new ideas, think creatively, and innovate will continue to be valuable,” said Steph.

“Jobs in design, user experience (UX), content creation, marketing, and product development will require individuals with a creative mindset and the ability to anticipate and meet evolving customer needs.”

Translating these skills into a career

The RMIT Apple Foundation Program aims to provide students with new pathway opportunities when it comes to choosing a different learning journey or career direction.

“There are roles as an iOS developer,” said Steph.

“You could also work as a product designer. You could position yourself as an innovation consultant, or if you wanted to stay in the education industry, you could facilitate effective learning as an education technology specialist.”

“Alternately, armed with digital skills, you may consider starting your own app development venture. These are just a few examples of career opportunities and what is available in the tech industry.”

Apply for the next intake of the RMIT Apple Foundation Program by clicking the link bellow.

Apply now

19 July 2023

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Thriving in the Digital Revolution: What skills do you need to succeed in the age of technology?