Before we can address what to do about the tech skills gap, we need to understand what it is and why it is such a problem.
By addressing a few of the most common questions regarding the IT skills shortage we are facing, we aim to understand how we can go about tackling it.
SO, DOES THIS SHORTAGE AFFECT ALL PARTS OF THE IT INDUSTRY IN THE UK?
The IT industry as a whole has at some point over the past few years experienced difficulties in getting the right mix of skills. Although a relatively small number of businesses report difficulties finding staff, many try to combat this by recruiting staff who are not quite right. In most cases this makes little to no difference in productivity, and in some more extreme cases, it can even make the situation worse. Recruiting the right calibre of staff with the right training and skills is of the upmost importance in order for a tech company to grow and succeed.
JUST HOW BIG IS THE IT SKILLS SHORTAGE IN THE UK?
IT Sector Skills council – E-Skills UK says the industry needs about 140,000 entrants each year. Last year, there were 16,440 computer science graduates, according to the Higher Education Statistics Agency, leaving a shortfall of 120,000 per annum, meaning that the UK industry would be short of 1.2 million IT skilled workers, if they weren’t found from outside the UK.
WHICH SKILLS ARE IN THE MOST DEMAND?
With the recent high-profile data breaches hitting the news affecting millions of people worldwide, three-quarters of IT managers describe the need for network security and data security as just some of the most important skills which are lacking in their current workforce. The IT skills shortage also includes some other technical skills such as Microsoft .NET.
WHAT CAN BE DONE TO COMBAT THIS?
Keeping up with the change in demand can be hard but this is where continuous staff development can help. Annual training (possibly more) for each member of staff, could keep staff members on top of their game, as well as making sure the latest technologies and processes are covered. Another way to combat the tech skills gap is to get involved with apprenticeships. With state of the art training introducing the latest technologies and skills, with a minimal monetary contribution, recruiting an IT apprentice presents the opportunity to inject new life and expertise into your workforce, as well as combatting the IT skills shortage at the same time.
Combatting the tech skills gap is a key reason for taking on an apprentice according to a Tech Partnership research survey of tech employers (March 2016 – see the full report here). But other factors are also important: apprentices offer improved access to talent, and increased productivity at reasonable cost. Perhaps less predictably, apprenticeships are also important for social responsibility reasons, employers believe that they improve the image of
the business both with customers and with the local community. The key difficulties in setting up an apprenticeship programme – according to the various employers who completed the Tech Partnership survey – come from recruitment. More than half of apprentice employers say they have encountered difficulty in getting the right people. Identifying high-quality training that meets business needs has also proved problematic for a similar percentage of employers.
HOW CAN WE HELP BRIDGE THE TECH SKILLS GAP?
Baltic’s recruitment, screening and training processes can help bridge the tech skills gap. Our dedicated recruitment team source and pre-screen all applicants prior to interview to ensure you only see the best possible candidates for your role. There are between 5 and 7 weeks of training throughout the 12 months depending on which programme your apprentice is on. This training is delivered through a blended learning approach where the apprentice will receive on the job training and online training via webinar.
By choosing to engage with apprenticeships, you are expected to become a mentor to your apprentice, someone to guide them and answer any questions they may have. On the job training is crucial to the apprentice and any knowledge or skills you can show them will be highly beneficial to you, your company and the apprentice themselves. The great thing about apprentices is that they are passionate, loyal and ready to work, making them an ideal candidate when it comes to expanding your workforce! Together we can bridge the tech skills gap and make the IT skills shortage a thing of the past – a good thing for you, your apprentice, your business and the industry as a whole.
Don’t just take our word for it, read our Employer Case Studies on our website;
https://baltictraining.com/
ABOUT BALTIC
At Baltic Training we’re committed to quality, customer excellence and making a real difference to society. We are a trusted and positive organisation partnering employers to create apprenticeship opportunities within the digital sector and are dedicated to driving a positive change in the way that businesses recruit and train their employees.
Don’t forget, you can also use apprenticeships to upskill existing staff.
If you’re looking to grow your business, please see our guide to recruiting an apprentice with Baltic Training get in contact.
Amanda McCombie
Marketing Assistant
