This post was originally published on IT Pro Today
As the tech industry grapples with an ongoing labor shortage, the need for a skilled and adaptable workforce is critical — and will be for the foreseeable future.
Despite more than a third (37%) of tech employers requiring candidates to have a two- or four-year degree, nearly three-quarters (72%) anticipate the need to upskill and retrain their teams over the next three to five years.
These were among the findings of Cengage Group’s 2024 Employability Report, which highlighted the urgency for strategic workforce development to retain tech talent and maintain a competitive edge in the evolving landscape.
With the rapid adoption of generative AI (GenAI) tools — already in use at 94% of tech workplaces — 71% of employers said they now believe foundational knowledge of these technologies is essential for job candidates.
To bridge existing skills gaps, 62% of tech employers are collaborating with educational institutions to ensure curricula align with industry demands, while 72% are expanding opportunities for hands-on learning through internships and cooperative programs.
Always-On Approach to Upskilling, Retraining
Rya Conrad-Bradshaw, SVM, general manager of ed2go and Ready to Hire, part of Cengage Group, said for companies and workers to remain competitive, there must be an always-on approach to upskilling and retraining.
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