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Webmaster / Website Administrator

Note: Completion of a TAFE SA course does not guarantee an employment outcome. Formal requirements other than educational qualifications (eg licensing, professional registration), may apply to some occupations.

Job Prospects
Openings 5 years to November 2027 < 17,000
Salary
Median annual income $89,000
Source
Australian Government's Job Outlook service
Brief
Webmasters' creative IT flair can be seen daily as millions of people world-wide click on to websites. Webmasters are also known as web site coordinators, web designers, web site programmers or web application developers.

There are approximately 700 Webmasters in South Australia. Employment is mostly full-time with the majority working in the Property and Business Services industry. Most persons in this occupation are males with the main age group between 25-34 years.

TAFE SA courses that may be relevant for: Webmaster / Website Administrator

Accredited (Award)

  • Introduction

    Have you ever visited a company website and been grateful that you can easily navigate around the site? Praise the Webmaster! Webmasters are responsible for the design and upkeep of websites and Internet/Intranet services for organisations. This can cover anything from writing, testing and designing software to support page layout, to ensuring the security of a company's website is not violated. Like the web itself, the role of the Webmaster is still evolving, and many webmasters may take on additional duties related to the management of these electronic services.

    Artistic and CreativeFigures and Computational

  • Education Requirements

    Educational requirements vary with employers. In general, most positions require the completion of a computer science degree, or an information technology or multimedia diploma or degree course. It is also essential to have a vast knowledge of the Internet and its associated services. Programming experience in a number of programming languages such as Java, Perl, HTML, Visual Basic or similar are a necessary prerequisite.

    Of those currently employed in this occupation there are 43% with a Bachelor Degree, 18% with either an Advanced Diploma or a Diploma, 10% who have Postgraduate Degrees, 10% who have either Certificate III or IV and 22% who have no post school qualifications.

    TAFE SA offers courses relevant to this occupation including the Diploma of Information Technology (Back End Web Development). Pathways include the Certificate III in Information Technology and Certificate IV in Information Technology (Web Development).

    Studying at TAFE SA is one of the easiest and most successful pathways towards a University Degree.

    SA Apprenticeships are available in this occupation for further information go to the Traineeship & Apprenticeship Services Website at http://www.skills.sa.gov.au/apprenticeships-traineeships or phone the Freecall number 1800 673 097.

  • Career Path

    Opportunities as with many IT-related occupations are on the increase, there are sound employment prospects in this area for people with experience. Demand remains particularly high for people who can fill producer-type roles. Personnel in this area are responsible for the overall look and navigation of web sites.

  • Nature of the Job

    Once the Webmaster has liaised with the client, and knows their specific requirements for the website, the Webmaster can begin the designing and programming process. Each page of an Internet website is governed by a series of commands. These allow the text and the graphics to be viewed and the links to other sites and pages to work. The Webmaster writes the computer programming language, or instructs others to write the series of codes that make it all happen. This process is called scripting. New scripting codes, computing tools, changes in graphic design and programming languages are developing each day, so it is important for a Webmaster to keep up to date with these new trends and technologies.

    After a website is completed, a Webmaster is involved in keeping the content up to date. A Webmaster will recommend improvements to the site and provide advice on any equipment and software required to support the site. They also may monitor and analyse traffic to the site and recommend any necessary programming changes. A successful website is quick to navigate and is user friendly, often the addition of a FAQ section (frequently asked questions) and online order forms can increase customer satisfaction greatly, and bring users back to the site. Some Webmasters may instruct staff on the Internet and Intranet services available in their company, and how to use them. Staff feedback is also an essential component for improving and updating the website.

  • Typical Physical Working Environment

    If you're considering this occupation, you need to be a team player and you need to be able to communicate well with others. Webmasters liaise with a range of people, including clients, writers, graphic artists and other IT staff. A Webmaster must have a broad knowledge of computer programming languages such as HTML, JavaScript (for programming), Perl (for CGI programming), TCP/IP (networking) and Unix/NT (server administration). Some experience in project management may also be required to gain a position as a Webmaster. Webmasters can work on a freelance basis, or they may be employed by web design firms, large Internet service providers, and government agencies.

  • Typical Occupational Example

    Designing and maintaining websites is a great job. The work is creative and challenging. Webmasters must have good technical knowledge and skills, but at the same time they must be aware of the needs of clients and users,'' says a local webmaster. In a large company, a Webmaster will use their technical skills and knowledge to make decisions and coordinate the production and maintenance of the site, but graphic designers may undertake the design work and programmers will be responsible for the interactivity of the site. In small companies, Webmasters will be actively involved in site design, programming and content management.