Survey reveals need to develop technology talent

Fifteen local employers who staff technology related positions provided feedback on a range of workforce issues including projected vacancies, hiring, recruitment strategies and challenges, as well as perspectives on candidate skills, education, and training. The organizations that participated in the survey represent a strong majority of the Algoma employers who currently staff skilled technology workers. Survey respondents employ approximately 3,330 individuals and of those individuals employed, approximately 518 specifically work in Information Communication Technology and Technology roles in Algoma and hold full-time positions.

Respondents revealed plans to hire 51 full-time, 2 part-time and 3 contractor positions in the next 12-24 months. The main reasons for new hires reported by participating employers were 73% due to expansion and growth. Survey results also concluded that:

• 73% reported that local supply of technology talent is inadequate

• 64% reported applicants do not have the required work experience

• 82% reported applicants have the required technical skills

• 73% of local technology employers feel they have opportunities for advancement

• Two-thirds of the technology workforce is under the age of 44 

The feedback from our local employers on future skills in demand show that there is considerable overlap in the predicted required critical hard skills of the future as listed by the local Information and Communication Technology Council (ICTC). 

Skills in the Cybersecurity, Networking and Cloud Computing technology areas are highly sought-after to meet current and future demands. 

Employers reported that they launch their recruiting campaigns locally and provincially and only rarely nationally or globally. When we asked employers if they recruit technology employees and allow for full-time remote working; 55% reported “No” and 45% reported “Yes.”

AWIC and the Sault Ste. Marie Innovation Centre plan to use the survey results to develop future programming to help mitigate some of the challenges local employers are faced with in the local technology sector. Please contact SSMIC or AWIC for the detailed Survey Results Report.

 

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About the Sault Ste. Marie Innovation Centre 

The Sault Ste. Marie Innovation Centre (SSMIC) is a non-profit organization established in 1999 to function as a catalyst for economic development and diversification in the information technology and 

science knowledge-based sectors in Sault Ste. Marie and the Algoma region. SSMIC’s mission is to drive business growth, facilitate research and commercialize innovation in globally significant areas of science and technology through partnerships, expert advice, community development, business incubation, youth outreach and sector development activities. Key SSMIC business divisions include Acorn Information Solutions (AIS), Rural Agri-Innovation Network (RAIN), Business Support Services, and YouLaunch. www.ssmic.com 

About AWIC

The Algoma Workforce Investment Corporation (AWIC) is a community-based, non-profit corporation. It is one of 26 Workforce Planning Boards in the Province of Ontario, funded by the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development (MLTSD). AWIC is a trusted community partner in Algoma, providing data and insight in support of a diverse and talented workforce that contributes to prosperous communities. Our work prepares Algoma’s communities for the workforce challenges and opportunities of today and the future. www.awic.ca