The Widening IT Skills Gap Worries Management
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The Widening IT Skills Gap Worries Management
Companies find it increasingly difficult to find qualified IT pros for roles related to emerging tech, the cloud and cyber-security. This burdens the IT team. -
Big Concern: Tech Shortfall
80% of the IT and business executives surveyed are at least somewhat concerned about the IT skills gap at their company, and 25% are very concerned about this issue. -
Major Areas With IT Skills Gaps
Emerging tech, such as the IoT and AI: 59%, Cloud infrastructure and apps: 57%, Digital transformation and legacy modernization: 57%, Cyber-security: 55%, Software and app development: 55% -
Net Loss
45% of the IT and business executives surveyed believe the overall skills gap is growing, while 26% feel it is improving. -
Obsolete Skills
96% said too many workers lack advanced skills, and 93% said segments of workers are falling behind. -
Academic Failings
89% of the IT and business executives surveyed said K-12 schools are not sufficiently preparing students for today's jobs, and 87% said the same about colleges. -
Damage Assessment, Part I
52% said the skills gap hurts staff productivity, and 38% said it leads to lower levels of customer service and engagement. -
Damage Assessment, Part II
33% said the skills gap results in lower sales and profitability, and 32% said it causes insufficient speed to market with new products and services. -
Core Element
74% of the IT and business executives surveyed said technology should play a primary role in reaching business objectives. -
Top Strategic Business Priorities
Implementing new systems or work processes to enhance efficiencies: 55%, Innovating: 47%, Identifying new customer segments and markets: 44%, Hiring skilled workers to drive strategic goals: 44%, Launching successful new products or services: 43% -
Needing Improvement
Just 22% of the IT and business executives surveyed said their company excels with regard to its tech vision and strategy, and only 22% said their organization excels at tech execution and implementation.
The vast majority of business and technology executives are concerned about the IT skills gap, and many reported that an overall talent gap is growing, according to a recent survey from CompTIA. The resulting report, "Assessing the IT Skills Gap," reveals that organizations find it especially difficult to hire qualified candidates for technology positions related to the internet of things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies, as well as cloud infrastructure and apps, and cyber-security. Given that most executives think that technology should play a primary role in achieving business objectives, IT departments are under increasing pressure to land needed talent in a highly competitive job market. "The breadth and pace of innovation point to a widening skills gap, putting further pressure on organizations," said Amy Carrado, senior director of research and market intelligence for CompTIA. "Organizations testing the waters with the internet of things, artificial intelligence, robotics, and other emerging technologies face even greater skills gaps due to the fast-moving nature of these innovations. It takes time for training materials to reach the market and for opportunities to gain hands-on experience to arise." A total of 600 U.S. IT and business executives took part in the research.