New IT job openings will exceed 375,000 annually between 2022 and 2032. To keep pace with technology, businesses need to find the right talent with the right skill sets to meet and exceed digital transformation goals, and turning to nontraditional talent pipelines powered by public-private partnerships may be the answer.

Since 2015, TEKsystems and Per Scholas have partnered to help businesses meet their unique IT talent needs by upskilling and reskilling individuals currently underrepresented in IT, such as women and people of color. Per Scholas, a national nonprofit dedicated to advancing economic mobility, provides an alternative path to IT education through rigorous tuition-free technology training and professional development. TEKsystems, a partner to more than 80% of the Fortune 500, is a global provider of business, technology and talent solutions enabling enterprises to capitalize on change.

Together, TEKsystems and Per Scholas create access to opportunity and build sustainable tech talent pipelines critical for long-term business growth. They share insights and lessons learned to help business leaders achieve their goals.

Tackling the labor shortage and lack of diversity in IT

Attracting, retaining and training talent remain top operational priorities for businesses across industries A few factors compound this issue:

• The traditional path to employment is no longer the only option for targeted recruiting efforts. Traditionally educated technologists may not receive training that matches what employers need most in today’s market. Plus, there are simply not enough individuals to fill these roles—particularly from Black and Hispanic communities, who make up less than 20% of computer science graduates. 
• The IT workforce is among the least diverse. Women comprise just 26% of the IT workforce, and white professionals represent 60% of all IT employees. But 58% of enterprise decision-makers say diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives have improved company performance. 

So, how can organizations address the high demand for talent and the lack of diversity in the technology industry?

Forging sustainable training partnerships for business growth

In 2018, TEKsystems and Per Scholas launched an intentional, customized training program following a successful pilot launch in Baltimore, where 60% of graduates were hired within a month of graduation. 

“We know what skill sets our customers need,” says Faith Rottmann Johnson, vice president of global human resources, talent acquisition and corporate social responsibility at TEKsystems and member of the National Board of Per Scholas. “Our partnership with Per Scholas allows us to develop training opportunities aligned with those skill sets.” 

One-third of Per Scholas learners are women, and 87% of learners are people of color. This partnership provides access to a diverse pool of upskilled and reskilled learners. So far, TEKsystems has helped over 1,000+ Per Scholas graduates secure full-time opportunities with TEKsystems clients. 

“Any time you expand the diversity of your workforce—bringing together different backgrounds, races, genders, ages and experiences,” says Rottmann Johnson, “you naturally create more opportunity and foster more innovation across your business as a whole.”

Delivering business results, long-term benefits

To stay ahead of the talent acquisition curve, TEKsystems and Per Scholas tailor their programs to meet specific customer needs, stay connected with market trends and ensure the skills taught are directly applicable in the workplace. 

“We have customers coming back to us repeatedly to fill roles because they see the value of our graduates and how they contribute from day one,” says Rottmann Johnson. 

How does a public-private partnership like this make a difference? When hiring graduates from training partnerships like this, organizations can expect:

• Heightened innovation. A diverse talent pool brings a wealth of perspectives, leading to more creative solutions and innovative approaches to IT challenges. 
• Increased productivity. Training that’s closely aligned with current industry needs means graduates from these programs can hit the ground running, reducing onboarding time and increasing productivity. 
• Stronger culture. A more diverse workforce fosters a more dynamic, inclusive work environment, driving employee engagement and satisfaction. 
• Improved employee retention. Per Scholas alumni show 30 to 50% lower turnover rates, translating to significant cost savings for businesses regarding recruitment and training. 

Prep for imminent growth: Secure an IT talent pipeline

No matter where an organization may be on its digital transformation journey, talent who can contribute from day one remains critical to success. And in today’s labor market, organizations must think differently to find that talent. 

By tapping into a public-private training partnership, like the one between TEKsystems and Per Scholas, businesses meet their near-term talent needs and lay the groundwork for future success—all while reshaping diversity in the tech industry.

Learn more about evaluating your DEI strategy from TEKsystems and Per Scholas.