The Skills Gap in IT is the Leading Barrier to Success
There have been many high profile surveys carried out over the past year amongst CIOs, which show that a large percentage of decision makers now feel that skills shortages in IT is the leading barrier to success.
The talent shortage has been creeping up for some time, but as the need for companies to compete with even more sophisticated smart technology grows, there is now a clear talent crisis.
As consultants to pioneering organisations in the smart tech and future cities sector, we’ve heard a few perspectives on what needs to change to move recruitment forward at the same pace as the technological revolution.
Change needs to come from several camps, namely;
- those working in tech
- those employing the skills
- those responsible for on-the-job training and development, and
- those teaching computer science at universities.
A commitment to review practices is required from all, and adaptability is an underlying theme across all camps. From education to recruitment, it’s time for teachers, trainers, candidates and employers to get better at adapting existing skills to meet future demands.
Schools are teaching a combination of fundamental skills and new tech, but new technology changes so fast that undergraduates often discover that those skills are no longer current when applying for tech jobs. When companies are scrambling to find skilled individuals but a large percentage of under-grads are struggling to find employment, there’s clearly a problem.
Everyone (recruiters included) needs to play their part in gaining a deeper understanding of tomorrow’s tech requirements so that each are able to build on their skills and fill the gaps.
There is truly a wealth of incredible talent out there with a mix of disciplines and experience. The future success of IT in the UK depends on all of us finding ways to harness and evolve that existing talent to ensure our tech continues to lead the way.
By building teams of smart people, with a focus on training and development, with people who are committed to learning from each other and adapting as technology moves, the industry can stop fishing from the same small pools of obvious talent, and instead look further afield with creative resourcing to discover a flexible and intelligent workforce that has a lot to offer the future of IT.
We work with exceptional talent and innovative tech companies everyday. Contact the tech recruitment team at Provide to get involved.