The demand for digital infrastructure has exploded in the past two years, from digital learning platforms to delivery apps. This potential for growth is pushing companies to rapidly face the question of closing the tech skills gap. With a surge of quality candidates, tech companies could meet current needs. Also, they can more easily offer their current employees an attractive work-life balance. This is one of the top factors in retaining tech talent and pursuing crucial innovation for the future.
A Growing Tech Skills Gap
Of course, the question of how to solve the tech skills gap is not new. According to Forbes, “Over a decade ago, more than half of CEOs expressed concern over the dearth of talent for digital roles. By 2019, 79% had concerns.” While the drop to 76% in 2021 is a positive trend, the data points to an enduring challenge for tech companies. Fortunately, people have brought forward inventive approaches to the issue.
Retrain and Retain
One valuable route to pursue is upskilling current employees. Upskilling programs reduce turnover and promote inclusion, both current topics of interest for the tech industry. Plus, ongoing training for tech skills creates agile employees who are resilient in the face of disruptions. Through deliberate investment in your existing workforce, you can prevent the growth of the skills gap, keeping everyone up to speed with the rapid pace of the tech industry.
Reassess the Requirements
Hiring committees should consider that the best candidates’ resumes may differ from applicants five years ago. The skills gap can appear deceptively wide when capable candidates are screened. Indeed, they did not gain their skills while studying for an advanced degree or following a linear career path. According to Entrepreneur, “Today when more and more technologists are self-taught or learning through alternative skilling programs, these credentials are needlessly limiting,” and companies trying to close the tech skills gap should shift towards competency-based hiring. Using hiring criteria that focus on skills opens up a broader pool of talent.
Adopt Apprenticeships
To build competencies in the workforce, tech training programs are an incredibly worthwhile investment. On-the-job apprenticeships and partnerships with higher education institutions prepare students for specific employment, then set up new permanent hires to thrive long-term. Traditionally thought of as a blue-collar option, the apprenticeship model of earn-while-you-learn is gaining ground in tech and similar industries. The Society for Human Resources Management notes that a thoughtful industry-education partnership is a key to ensuring apprentices are successful both as learners and as workers. With solid communication between the company and the college, apprentices emerge with exactly the right tech skills.
Learn More About the Tech Skills Gap
Through WOZ Enterprise’s Train program, your organization can gain access to a market-driven curriculum and strong partnerships to train candidates for tech industry careers in a short period of time. If you’d like to discuss customized options for your institution, contact us. We’re happy to consider your specific needs.
