18 new technology innovators have committed to diversifying their talent pipelines and reinforcing the state’s digital skills by signing up to the third 20% Alternative Pathways Pledge.

The commitment will see organisations employ 20% of all digital entry-level hires via alternative education pathways, such as VET courses, traineeships, micro-credentials and vendor certifications by 2030.  

Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education Steve Whan said the digital workforce’s future resilience relies on a collaborative effort from the industry.

“With the constantly evolving nature of technology, we need to reinforce skills by employing people who have the passion, creativity and capability to contribute to the industry, regardless of their educational background,” Mr Whan said.

“A year on from the pledge’s first signing, I am delighted to see NSW still leading the way to transform the digital workforce. I would like to commend Humans of Purpose for their social impact work and success in exceeding the pledge by bringing on board a spectacular 75% of new employees who are survivors of domestic and family violence.”

Humans of Purpose, Academy Director, Danielle Mifsud said the new employees were trained through their academy and specialised training and mentoring programs, which have been codesigned to create inclusive, trauma informed pathways into employment.

“A key part of this achievement is our unique approach to supporting our community of over 400 women to re-skill and be supported to start their digital careers. Our mission has always been to open doors for women who face barriers to employment, particularly those with lived experience and to ensure they have access to safe, flexible, and meaningful work,” Ms Mifsud said.

“We’re deeply committed to reshaping what inclusive hiring looks like in the digital sector and ensuring that women survivors are not left out of future workforce opportunities.”

The pledge is an initiative of the NSW Digital Skills & Workforce Compact, a cross-sector collaboration between digital industry, education and training sectors that aims to address the projected 85,000 shortage of digital workers in NSW by 2030.

The NSW Digital Skills & Workforce Compact is delighted to welcome the new signatories:

• _nology
• Algora
• Apprentice Employment Network NSW & ACT
• Australian Institute of Management Education and Training Pty Ltd
• Capability.Co
• CyberCX
• Deadly Coders
• EdTech Group
• EzyRemit Worldwide
• GRUG Consulting
• HP
• Learning People
• Mission Ready HQ
• NFP Ocean
• TDC Global
• Vertical Scope Group
• Western Sydney University
• Zeal Futures Pty Ltd

Now totalling 59 partners, the new signatories are joining the likes of major technology companies like Accenture, Amazon Web Services, CommBank and IBM ANZ who are spearheading initiatives to diversify their workforces.

Western Sydney University, Distinguished Professor George Williams, Vice-Chancellor and President, said the university committed to the pledge because of their dedication to accessible employment opportunities and to strengthen their contribution to NSW’s digital workforce.

“As a university founded on principles of access, equity, and excellence, we know that talent emerges through many pathways – and that learning is a lifelong journey,” Distinguished Professor George Williams said.

To date, 11 signatories have achieved their commitment, including Academy Xi, ANZ, Accenture, CyberCX, FDM Group, Humans of Purpose Academy, NFP Ocean Pty Ltd, Revio Cyber Security, Salesforce and Work Initiatives.

The first pledge was signed in December 2024 and was followed by a second signing in July 2025.