In the rapidly growing tech industry, there's a high demand for skilled workers, especially in AI and cybersecurity. In a recent article written in GovTech, Suzette Kent stressed the need to diversify recruitment beyond traditional education paths to rapidly expand the tech workforce. Relying on a few universities and requiring extensive experience for entry-level roles is outdated and fails to meet the urgent need for tech talent. A recent survey reveals a global shortage of 3.5 million cybersecurity professionals, including 600,000 in the U.S. Nearly 60% of tech leaders struggle to find talent for digital transformation.
The Biden administration's push for a "governmentwide AI talent surge" emphasizes the need for innovative talent strategies due to AI's rapid advancements. Training IT help desk and call center staff in cybersecurity, cloud, or AI presents a cost-effective solution to the talent shortage by leveraging existing skills and knowledge.
New training programs and apprenticeships are successfully preparing diverse individuals for tech roles. Initiatives like the cybersecurity apprenticeship sprint and programs offered by SkillStorm, address critical positions and enhance diversity in tech. Non-traditional pathways are proving valuable in addressing the industry's talent needs.
Read the entire article in GovTech here.