Struggle for local technology talent continues, survey indicates

NEWS RELEASE
SAULT STE. MARIE INNOVATION CENTRE
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The Sault Ste. Marie Innovation Centre (SSMIC) and the Algoma Workforce Investment Corporation (AWIC) released the 2021 Algoma ICT (Information Communication Technology) and Technology Workforce joint survey results. The results revealed that the struggle for local technology talent continues and that finding applicants with appropriate work experience remains a challenge. The survey validates that the opportunity for local youth to consider an ICT career continues to be an excellent choice.

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, two part-time and three contractor positions in the next 12-24 months. The main reasons for new hires reported by participating employers were 73 per cent due to expansion and growth. Survey results also concluded that: 

• 73 per cent reported that local supply of technology talent is inadequate
 
• 64 per cent reported applicants do not have the required work experience

• 82 per cent reported applicants have the required technical skills
 
• 73 per cent 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 per cnet reported “No” and 45 per cent 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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