University of Technology Sydney and Microsoft have created a graduate certificate that addresses a massive technology skills shortage in the labor market. Microsoft and the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) have announced a new course that provides students with the skills to succeed in functional consulting.

The Graduate Certificate in Business Consulting and Technology Implementation has been co-designed by Microsoft and UTS in collaboration with leading services firms Avanade, Capgemini, and EY. The course melds technology skills with human-centric skills – like creative thinking, adaptability and emotional intelligence – to fill a growing gap in the market for business and technology consultants.

Through the graduate certificate, UTS aims to produce 1,200 graduates who can deliver solutions with Microsoft Dynamics and other platforms. The course will be delivered online and take eight to ten months to complete on a part-time basis, enabling learners to work while they study. The first global cohort of lifelong learners will begin their studies in October 2022.

Based on forecasts by International Data Corporation, spending on customer relationship management and low-code solutions is expected to grow approximately 20 percent year-on-year until 2024. However, businesses may face a lack of talent – to meet demand, an estimated 286,000 additional skilled technology workers are needed over the next two years, according to the Tech Council of Australia.