It’s now approaching the sixth year of the global economic downturn. We’ve seen banks and even our favourite high street chains go to the wall. However, depending on who you speak to, the job market is looking rosier in certain sectors.
One sector that has to a degree bucked the trend is IT. Research from US-based Burning Glass Technologies found that Q4 2013 IT job openings numbered over 500,000. Additionally, research from the Bureau of Labor Statistics found that the IT unemployment rate was 3.3% in the US compared to the overall national average of 7% across all sectors. We’re the lucky ones it seems.
We’ve perhaps not faced the uncertainty or threat of redundancy that other sectors have had to deal with. That’s a good thing, but we do face a different challenge though – a skills gap.
This gap is a global issue that needs to be resolved in the short and long term. In the UK, Joanna Shields, chair of Tech City UK, is keen to ensure the next generation of digitally skilled professionals is nurtured the right way. She feels that via a revitalised schools curriculum this can happen. I couldn’t agree more with this sentiment.
I work closely with the education sector with CompTIA and the curriculum needs shaking up. We’ve got to ensure that the teaching of IT is made compelling and exciting.
I feel our industry, politicians and the media have major parts to play in championing IT role models that students can look up to. Without belittling IT, it needs to look more sexy.
Young people are very concerned about youth unemployment, debt and uncertain careers. The IT profession is a strong fire way of offering a creative and interesting career that offers stability and the chance for global employment. Pretty exciting.
So in summary, it’s time to collaborate and champion our own industry, as it will offer the new digital generation great scope to learn and succeed. There’s no time to lose. Let’s get started!