Dive Brief:

• Apprenticeships are one of the leading strategies companies are employing to address skills gap challenges among the IT workforce pipeline, according to a new study from CompTIA.

• CompTIA found apprenticeships and internships are among two of the top cited strategies, along with early student exposure to IT careers and more certifications and credentials to validate skills. This is particularly important as emerging technologies such as the Internet of Things, artificial intelligence and robotics are creating a knowledge gap. 

• Nearly half of the 600 executives surveyed for the report said they believe skills shortcomings within their organizations have grown over the past two years.

Dive Insight:

The need for IT workers is outpacing the supply, and that’s causing IT leaders to look for new ways to staff their organizations. Of particular interest are avenues in which job candidates can gain work experience and on-the-job training prior to becoming full-time employees, thus the growing interest in apprenticeships and internships.

It’s yet more evidence that IT job skills are now viewed as more important to many companies than traditional four-year degrees.

As technology becomes a growing part of every company, it’s clear there will need to be new ways to train and educate IT workers to ensure adequate supply. Companies that find innovative ways to source future employees and to retain them once they are hired will have a better chance of ensuring their IT needs are met.