The Interactive Advertising Bureau has launched a new education and training program to tackle the “documented skills gap” in the digital industry.

A series of educational events, training programs and service directories will be included in the scheme, with the first courses running next February.

CEO, Paul Fisher said: “While the digital industry continues its rapid growth it’s clear that there is a skills gap and the IAB plans and resources will go some way in helping to educate the market and improving the skills of advertisers, agencies and publishers.

“In our position as the peak digital advertising industry association, representing members on both the buy and sell side of the industry, the IAB is in a unique position to offer objective, up-to-date, quality training that incorporates the latest IAB research, standards, guidelines and best practices.”

He said future phases of the program would be rolled out in due course.

The six open courses will be run with training provider The Knowledge Engineers, which is new to Australia.