The digital divide impacts on employment opportunity in a number of ways. As businesses began to move beyond their physical boundaries due to globalisation, access to the internet became an integral part of any business that seeks to operate in the global trade. Many start-up businesses that are driving employment and wealth in the new economy are built around the Internet and won't locate where it can't be speedily accessed. Even established businesses require high-speed Net connections effective global communication with customers, suppliers and employees (O’Malley, 1999). This suggests that those living in places where internet is readily accessible will find more employment opportunity compared to those living in areas with limited internet access.
The labour market is also affected through improvements in job search efficiency. Online job search may speed up the matching process and be a factor in lower unemployment in United States (Kruger, 2000), but because of digital divide, not everyone will have the opportunity to find a job this way. For those with ready access to the internet from their homes, they can log on everyday to keep up with the latest job openings available, whereas those who don’t stand to miss out.
In New Zealand, the ICT industry is the fastest growing industry, creating the biggest employment opportunity. The number of people employed in ICT industry increased by 21 percent between 1991 and 1996. This creates plenty of job opportunity for those who are well educated in the use of internet. A demographic breakdown of those who have sought formal ICT training reveals distinctions between Maori and non-Maori learners (Blumenfeld and Thickett, 2003). While Maoris tend to be slightly more inclined to seek training and education in computing and information technology, they appear to be less inclined than non-Maori to gain qualifications in the more advanced engineering and technology fields. An analysis of Maori graduates from tertiary computing courses also shows that the majority of qualifications gained in ICT are basic computer courses and not the highly skilled qualifications, such as software design or computer science that employers seek.
This trend reveals the impact on how ICT related skills developed through training will affect employment opportunity and future earning. The figures suggest a potential for a widening of the earnings gap which presently exists between Maori and non-Maori, particularly those of European origin, within New Zealand society.
--Philips young 11:35, 28 Oct 2005 (EST)
