While the technology skills gap isn’t a new conversation, the real, demonstrable cost of this deficiency is hitting home — this year alone 5 million positions could go unfilled costing the U.S. economy upwards of $160 billion. Yes, billion, with a B.

The solution? You! There is no better time to jumpstart your career in technology. And a technology apprenticeship is an exciting first step. 

The High-Tech Future Economy Starts Now

With advances in artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, the Internet of Things (IoT), 3D printing, genetic engineering, quantum computing, and other technologies, the fourth industrial revolution isn’t merely coming, it’s arrived. As a result, the demand for workers skilled in areas like software development, cybersecurity, and data science is on the rise. Career Builder has previously predicted the U.S. economy will add more than eight million new jobs by 2023, driven mostly by jobs in technology.

Now is the Time to Launch Your Career in Technology

There are currently 17 percent more job openings than available workers in the technology market. Seventy percent of company executives say current employees lack the tech and computer skills to fit their future hiring needs, while 60 percent of companies report current vacancies often remain open for twelve weeks or longer. In response to this growing need for skilled technology workers, tech companies have turned to alternative talent pipeline solutions, such as apprenticeship, to fill jobs. 

For centuries, apprenticeships have helped bridge the skills gap for employers mainly in the trade and construction industries. The high-demand career field of information technology is just now realizing the benefits of this age-old workforce development model…introducing the modern apprenticeship.

National Apprenticeship Act of 2020

Earlier this year, the Committee on Education and Labor recognized the impact apprenticeship can have on the U.S. economy and voted to advance the National Apprenticeship Act of 2020, which updated 1937 legislation. The Act invests more than $3.5 billion to create one billion new apprenticeship opportunities over the next five years. 

The new legislation alone gives cause for celebration and underlines the importance of National Apprenticeship Week (NAW). For the last six years, businesses, communities, and educators have used the week of Nov. 8-14, to showcase their apprenticeship programs and provide valuable information to job seekers. At a time when unemployment is at an all-time high, apprenticeship programs offer a path to employment for many Americans.

The Benefits of Apprenticeship

  • Earn as you learn with a guaranteed wage increase as you develop new skills. Ninety-four percent of apprentices who complete an apprenticeship program retain employment and earn an average annual salary of $70,000.
  • Receive industry-recognized and nationally-portable credentials or academic credit toward a college degree.
  • Gain workplace-relevant skills and mentorship in the field of your choice.

Apply to Become a Tech Apprentice Today

Earlier this year, Woz Enterprise launched a U.S. Department of Labor Registered Apprenticeship Program. Candidates in the Woz Enterprise Apprenticeship Program program complete an intensive, eight-week pre-apprenticeship training program in one of seven technology tracks allowing them to gain essential day-one skills to start a career with one of Woz Enterprise’s recruiting business partners including technology leaders like Infosys, CyberProud, and Cinteot.

And, partnerships with national universities like University of Phoenix and Harrisburg University of Science and Technology allow for the clear articulation of credits and recognition of learning so as employee apprentices progress through their apprenticeship tracks, they have access to higher education opportunities, increasing your competitive market value.

Start your journey to a career in the in-demand field of technology when you Apply to Become an Apprenticeship Candidate today

 

Sources

https://www.cmswire.com/digital-workplace/understanding-the-tech-skills-gap/