IT Workforce and National College Trends
A pair of articles this week in Time and Business Week point out an interesting and challenging trend facing the Tech industry nationwide. At a time when demand for talent is strong and expected to increase, enrollment and graduation rates continue to decline.
In fact, more than 850,000 jobs are projected to be added in this sector by 2016, which becomes 1.6 million when considering replacing retiring workers. Unfortunately, university enrollment in tech disciplines continues to trend downward. According to the Computer Research Association's annual University Survey, this year saw a 20% decline in students completing a bachelor's degree in an IT field. Meanwhile, enrollment is more than 50% lower than it was five years ago.
Surprisingly, these trends come at a time when salaries are as strong as ever, and career advancement opportunities are robust.
Clearly, this region has a lot to offer. We have cool companies doing great things, passionate, exciting entrepreneurs and that legendary midwestern work ethic.
We need to increase our talent pipeline by growing regional enrollment, working with universities to retain graduates, recruiting expatriates to return and promoting the hell out of this region.
NEOSA is working with its partner organizations and leveraging the recently completed IT Workforce Study to address this important issue for our industry. Stay tuned...
