The world is changing rapidly, and so is the job market. With the advent of emerging technologies, many IT organizations are struggling to keep up with the skills needed to compete in the modern world. According to a recent survey, approximately 78% of IT organizations report difficulty in finding talent with the right skills. Half of them have started training and upskilling their current workforce to address these challenges.
IT organizations are experiencing difficulty in finding the right talent with the required skills. This has led to a shortage of skilled workers in the IT industry. To address this challenge, many companies are training and upskilling their current workforce to close the skills gaps. Additionally, companies are adopting or planning to adopt the use of emerging technologies in their recruiting processes, including artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, virtual reality (VR), and augmented reality (AR).
The top five staffing priorities for IT organizations are cybersecurity, technical support, customer or user experience, database management, and customer relationship management systems. These areas are crucial for the success of any organization, and having the right talent in these areas can be a game changer.
To address the skills gap in the workforce, companies are employing various strategies. These include training and upskilling current workers, hiring new workers with the required skills, investing more in automation, reskilling workers and transitioning them into IT roles, and hiring short-term staff, such as freelancers and contract workers, to fill skills gaps.
Belief that AI and VR will Create Jobs
Despite fears of job displacement due to the rise of AI and VR, about 58% of employers said they believe these technologies will create jobs rather than eliminate workers. Experis reported that more than a third plan to use tools such as AI and VR in recruitment and retention.
Augmenting and Upgrading Human Skills with Technology
As the world continues to evolve, it is important to acknowledge that technology can enhance and improve our unique human skills. According to David Collings, a professor of human resource management at Dublin City University, “This isn’t about us versus AI or humans versus machines. Instead, it’s about how we can use these tools to enhance and improve our distinct human skills and lead a more human-centric life.”
The increasing importance of credentials and certifications can be observed in high-priority areas such as cybersecurity, cloud, and machine learning. This trend is paving the way for non-degree options to take center stage, which is good news for those who have acquired the necessary skills through other means and do not possess college degrees.
Digital Upskilling and Non-degree Programs for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
According to a recent report, digital upskilling and non-degree programs may also boost diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts. These programs can increase access to low-income workers, talent in rural areas, people with disabilities, communities of color, and immigrant and refugee populations.
Use of Emerging Technologies for Hiring and Training
Emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence and virtual reality, could help with hiring and training. By providing a more immersive experience, these technologies can help workers acquire new skills faster and more efficiently.
The skills gap in the IT industry is a major challenge that many organizations are facing. However, smart employers know that embracing digitization and nurturing human talent will enhance their readiness to succeed in this era of rapid technological advancement. By upskilling their current workforce, investing in emerging technologies, and hiring new workers with the required skills, organizations can address this challenge and thrive in the modern world.