Robin Parkinson, Managing Director
In recent years, the United Kingdom has found itself facing a significant skills shortage, particularly within the Information Technology (IT) sector. Scotland has fared worse with job-related education and training lower than in any other UK nation or region during the third quarter of 2022.
As technology continues to evolve at a rapid pace, the demand for skilled IT professionals has soared, creating a gap that needs urgent attention. This poses challenges for the UK and its ability to position itself globally as a technology leader.
In the current UK landscape, the IT skills shortage is characterised by a growing gap between the demand for qualified professionals and the available workforce. Companies across various industries are struggling to find individuals with the expertise needed to navigate the complex and dynamic IT landscape. This shortage is not only hindering business growth but also impacting the country's competitiveness in the global tech market. The UK is faced with some key challenges relating to IT resources which must be addressed:
1. Rapid Technological Advancements: The pace of technological change has outstripped the ability of educational institutions and training programmes to keep up, leaving a void in the market for up-to-date skills.
2. Limited Talent Pool: The number of individuals pursuing careers in IT has not kept pace with the industry's exponential growth, resulting in a limited pool of qualified candidates. Additionally, net migration from the UK has hit an all-time high in 2022/23 (Source: Office for National Statistics)
Combatting the Crisis:
1. Investing in Education and Training:
To address the skills shortage, increased investment in education and training programs is crucial. Collaborations between educational institutions and industry players can ensure that curricula are aligned with the latest industry needs. Initiatives like apprenticeships and vocational training can also provide hands-on experience, producing job-ready professionals.
2. Promotion of Diversity and Inclusion:
Encouraging diversity in the IT workforce can help tap into a broader range of talent. Companies should actively work towards creating inclusive environments, removing barriers for underrepresented groups, and promoting equal opportunities.
3. Supporting Reskilling and Upskilling:
Given the rapid evolution of technology, reskilling and upskilling the existing workforce is essential. Companies can implement internal training programmes to help employees adapt to new technologies and methodologies, reducing dependency on external hires.
4. Fostering Collaboration Between Industry and Government:
Closer collaboration between the government and the IT industry is vital. This can include the development of policies that support the growth of the tech sector, as well as initiatives to attract international talent to fill critical skill gaps.
The Path Forward:
Addressing the IT skills shortage in the UK requires a comprehensive and collaborative approach. By investing in education, promoting diversity, supporting ongoing training, and fostering collaboration between industry and government, the UK can build a resilient and skilled IT workforce to propel itself into the future. The time to act is now, ensuring that the country remains at the forefront of technological innovation and economic growth.
How is Evolve negating the problem?
The Evolve Group is headquartered in Aberdeen where the population is around 214,000, down from 260,000 in 2014. The impact this downward trend has had is significant in a city that needs highly technical resources to support the complex nature of the energy sector’s needs. As a company pioneering in the technology space, Evolve has experienced challenges with skills shortages since day one. Experienced Data Scientists, Business Intelligence developers and software engineers have been difficult to recruit locally and as a result we have had to take a different approach.
Evolve has combatted the skills shortage in the following ways:
Relocation and distant recruiting – We have moved people to Aberdeen and recruited globally
Remote working – We offer an attractive remote working package for staff where appropriate
Skilling up through training – We have an intensive training programme for staff
Home Office Approved as a Sponsor – We became an approved VISA Sponsor
UK Skilled Worker VISA – We offer Skilled Worker VISAs for staff where required
To book a discovery call with Evolve iMS and explore how we can support your business visit https://www.evolveims.com/contact
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