Unlocking Tech Innovation Through DEI: Insights from TEKsystems and Per Scholas
A recent CIO Dive piece, Unlocking tech innovation through DEI: Insights from TEKsystems and Per Scholas, examines insights from a 2024 TEKsystems DEI report, emphasizing the progress that has been made and the work that still needs to be done. While there has been increasing recognition of DEI’s importance, many IT professionals remain indifferent. This report identifies challenges, particularly in gender diversity and mentorship programs, and acknowledges that 66% of employees recognize that their organization’s DEI policies could be improved. This article further advocates for IT decision-makers to reaffirm the importance of diversity across their organizations and calls for collaboration between company leaders and HR to do so, including investments in diverse talent and establishing robust mentoring programs.
Per Scholas Trains 25,000+ Learners
Per Scholas hit a monumental milestone: 25,000 learners trained and counting! This remarkable feat underscores our organization’s dedication to empowering individuals with the skills necessary to thrive in the ever-evolving technology industry.
For more than twenty-five years, Per Scholas has provided comprehensive training programs designed to bridge the digital divide and empower individuals with the tools needed to pursue rewarding careers in technology, unlocking potential for themselvies, their communities, and businesses.
Our work extends far beyond the number of learners trained – each alumni represents a testament to the transformative power of education and opportunity. By nurturing talent and fostering a diverse pipeline of tech professionals, Per Scholas is not only changing the face of tech but also strengthening communities.
As the demand for skilled tech workers continues to rise, Per Scholas remains steadfast in our mission to provide accessible pathways to success for individuals of all backgrounds. With a focus on diversity, inclusion, equity, and belonging, we’re providing companies with a skilled, diverse talent pipeline that fosters innovation and growth for more than 850 employer partners. We are proud of this achievement of training more than 25,000 learners and look forward to our next milestone!
Tech Job Market 2024 Forecast: Lasting Careers – Per Scholas
Tech Job Market 2024 Forecast: Lasting Careers
As we ease into 2024, the outlook for the tech job market in 2024 may appear rough at first glance. For the last several months, a series of layoffs at numerous high-profile tech companies, such as Google, Amazon, Twitter, Salesforce, and Microsoft, as well as at smaller-scale tech companies, have rocked the tech industry. Layoff-tracking site layoffs.fyi reported that, in 2023 alone, over 400 tech companies have laid off a total of almost 120,000 workers from tech jobs. Furthermore, the future state of the U.S.’s economy also seems precarious: in December, a survey of economists predicted a 70% chance that the U.S. would enter a recession at some point in 2023.
Such rocky news is enough to make any aspiring tech worker nervous about entering the industry. However, contrary to what one might expect, data seems to indicate numerous open tech jobs available, a fast hiring turnover rate for tech employees, low tech unemployment rates, and new roles available to tech workers in previously overlooked industries.
Below, we will explore Per Scholas’ outlook on the tech job market in 2024, why now might just be as good a time as any to get started in tech, and how Per Scholas alumni can navigate this confusing time.
The State of the Job Market in 2024
In 2023, the outlook for tech industry workers seems grim. Announcements of mass layoffs from all manor of tech companies filled the news. According to tracking site Layoffs.fyi, on average, approximately 1,600 tech workers were laid off every day in 2023, with numbers reaching 15% of the total number of tech workers laid off in 2022.
Such news might lead one to believe that this is a bad time to be involved in the tech industry, but data actually seems to paint a different picture of what it means to work in tech right now. While tech layoff rates were indeed high in 2023, tech hiring rates are also very high, and tech workers are still in incredibly great demand.
In job search site Indeed’s 2023 annual ranking of U.S. “best jobs,” eight of the top ten jobs were tech jobs, and the outlook remains the same for 2024. This ranking is based on job opportunity, meaning that these top jobs are in high demand from employers, and are rapidly growing. The ranking was as follows: “full-stack (No. 1); data engineers (No. 2); cloud engineers (No. 3); senior product managers (No. 5); back-end developers (No. 6); site reliability engineers (No. 7); machine learning engineers (No. 8); and product designers (No. 10).”
By 2033, tech skills will be vital in all job sectors, and 75% of American workers are actively upskilling to meet this demand, leading us to believe that 2024 will show hundreds of thousands of tech job positions open, with fewer technologists to fill those roles. A CompTIA analysis indicated an increase in employer job postings for potential future tech hiring, as well as low tech unemployment rates, which suggests that many laid-off tech professionals are quickly finding new work in the next year.
Many tech workers also seem to be finding success landing tech roles at companies outside the tech sector. Tech work will always be in demand, especially now that many non-tech companies are continuing to digitally upscale in the wake of the pandemic. According to a ZipRecruiter survey, approximately 74% of laid-off tech workers found new jobs in tech, with the remaining 26% finding tech roles in various other industries. “Tech skills are in high demand across the economy, with government agencies, aerospace companies, health systems, and retailers frequently noting shortages of software engineers, cybersecurity professionals, data analysts, and web designers,” the survey stated.
While 2023 saw many layoffs, opportunities for tech jobs were prominent, and those roles will be fulfilled in 2024 as job seekers see technology role trends and openings soaring. As every job becomes one with technology skills required, many job seekers will look for ways to upskill with tech skills.
Rising Demand in Key Areas
Digital upskilling is how individuals transitioning into a job in tech are able to have relevant, in-demand skills for tech roles rising in popularity and availability. Anyone interested in digital upskilling should consider roles in the areas listed below.
Courses to Consider
- System Support roles
- Cybersecurity expertise
- Full Stack Developers
- Data Science and Cloud Computing
The Continuation of Remote Work Trends
Remote work has become more than just a trend – it’s a fundamental shift in how we approach work. With advancements in communication technology and changing attitudes towards flexibility, remote work has reshaped job opportunities across various industries. Companies are increasingly embracing remote work models, opening up new avenues for professionals to collaborate and contribute from anywhere in the world. This flexibility not only enhances work-life balance but also expands the talent pool, providing access to a diverse range of skilled individuals regardless of geographical constraints.
Edge Computing and Sustainability in Tech
Edge computing, with its promise of faster processing and reduced latency, is revolutionizing the way data is handled and processed. As we harness the power of edge computing to drive innovation, there’s also a growing emphasis on sustainability in tech. Green computing initiatives aim to minimize the environmental impact of technology infrastructure, promoting energy efficiency and responsible resource usage. By embracing these new frontiers, tech professionals can contribute to building a more sustainable future while pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the digital landscape.
The Human Element in Tech Support
While technology continues to advance, the importance of the human element in tech support roles remains paramount. Beyond technical expertise, effective customer service and human interaction are essential for delivering exceptional support experiences. In an age of automation, personalized interactions and empathetic problem-solving set tech support professionals apart, fostering trust and loyalty among customers. Investing in soft skills alongside technical proficiency is key to excelling in this critical domain of tech support.
Adapting to the 2024 Job Market
In the realm of technology, change is the only constant. As we step into 2024, the job market continues to shift, shaped by innovative trends and emerging technologies. To thrive in this dynamic environment, it’s crucial to stay ahead of the curve, embracing continuous learning and adaptability. Let’s explore some key themes driving the tech job market and how professionals can navigate these changes effectively.
Continuous Learning and Adaptability
In a rapidly evolving tech landscape, the ability to learn and adapt is non-negotiable. Continuous learning isn’t just about acquiring new skills – it’s about embracing a mindset of growth and resilience. Whether through formal education, online courses, or hands-on experience, staying updated with the latest technologies and industry trends is essential for remaining competitive in the job market. Embracing lifelong learning empowers professionals to pivot seamlessly in response to changing demands and emerging opportunities.
Navigating a Career in Tech Amidst AI and Automation
The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and automation presents both challenges and opportunities for tech professionals. While automation streamlines processes and enhances efficiency, it also disrupts traditional job roles, prompting the need for upskilling and reskilling. Instead of fearing automation, tech professionals can leverage AI as a tool to augment their capabilities and drive innovation. By focusing on roles that require human creativity, critical thinking, and emotional intelligence, individuals can future-proof their careers amidst AI and automation.
Per Scholas: Preparing You for the 2024 Tech Job Market
Fortunately, our Per Scholas alumni are well-prepared for landing jobs in tech. We believe in taking a multifaceted approach to preparing our learners for entry into the tech workforce, which gives them an edge over other applicants in the field.
Not only are learners equipped with top-notch technical skills, they also undergo rigorous professional development training to tailor and polish their resumes, cover letters and LinkedIn profiles, practice mock interviews, and prepare to conduct themselves in a professional setting.
Upskilling and Professional Development
In the pursuit of staying relevant in the evolving job market, upskilling and professional development are invaluable assets. Programs like Per Scholas provide tailored training and resources aligned with emerging job market trends, equipping individuals with the skills needed to succeed in tech roles. By investing in upskilling initiatives, professionals can expand their skill set, enhance their employability, and seize new opportunities in the ever-changing tech landscape.
Alumni Success Stories and Employer Partnerships
We also partner with leading tech companies to bring industry experts and professionals into our classrooms who speak with our learners about what it is like to work in the tech industry, conduct mock interviews, and help our learners grow their professional networks.
“One of the biggest benefits of Per Scholas was them being able to put us in the room with people that we wouldn’t normally be in the room with,” said Matt Watkins, a recent graduate of Per Scholas St. Louis’ Cybersecurity course.
“We were in the room with CCOs and CEOs and big movers and decision makers in the corporate IT cybersecurity space. Without Per Scholas, I don’t know how I would have come to meet these people and connect and network with them. I’ve already had three interviews within the months since graduating, and all of them were a direct result of the connections I made during this program.”
Read more of our alumni stories
Continued Support and Networking Opportunities
After graduating from Per Scholas, our alumni are also well-supported. For up to two years after graduation, alumni have access to our numerous resources including career coaching, financial coaching, and job placement assistance.
Our learner support team aims to mirror an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) by providing alumni with access to coaching regarding mental health and wellness, work-life balance, and financial advising. “We’re committed to providing continued access to skill enhancing learning opportunities that alumni can leverage during the job search and attainment process, and throughout their career journey,” said Sierra Harvey, Director of Alumni Engagement and Training at Per Scholas. “This is possible through our instructor-led and asynchronous course offerings as well as providing space and opportunity for alumni to connect with each other and with other industry professionals.”
Per Scholas’ business solutions team acts as a liaison between Per Scholas alums and our employer partners by sourcing employment opportunities, supporting alumni as they find gainful employment, and helping foster employer connections.
Our professional development team continues to be available after graduation to help alumni refresh their personal and professional knowledge and skills, including resume/ cover letter review, pitch and interview practice, and online presence review.
Finally, our technical instructors are available to alumni for all technical questions and professional references. Alumni may also level-up their skill sets and earn more certifications through our alumni courses.
Conclusion: Embracing the Future of Tech Careers
In conclusion, 2024 will have competing challenges between tech job availability and the surge of AI, but we encourage you to still pursue a career in tech despite uncertainties and the fact that all job roles will require tech experience and skills in the next ten years.
Bottom line: tech isn’t going anywhere, and while there may be layoffs from tech companies, there are still technology jobs available and an opportunity to upskill into those roles. If you are interested in launching your career in tech, apply now!
Important Hiring Tip: Seek Out The Professional Student
This Forbes article explains that lifelong learning is crucial in today’s rapidly changing world. It proposes the concept of the “professional student,” someone who continuously pursues education and skills development. Traditional education is shifting, making alternative paths like certifications valuable. As a result, businesses must adapt their hiring practices to value continuous learning and consider these alternative paths. Both individuals and businesses need to upskill to stay competitive in the ever-evolving technological landscape.
Read more about the importance of the Professional Student here.
How To Get A Job In Tech: Resume & Interview Tips
How To Get A Job In Tech: Resume & Interview Tips
As Per Scholas continues to prepare our learners for thriving tech careers, our training does not simply stop at the technical skills needed to acquire a tech role. In fact, 20% of our training focuses entirely on communication, collaboration, continuous learning, giving and receiving feedback, and career navigation skills critical to landing that first job or moving up the high-growth tech ladder post-graduation.
Within our training programs, we set aside an entire day each week to focus solely on professional development and career coaching for all of our learners, providing a holistic approach to starting a career in tech. Our professional development days often include resume reviews, mock interviews, and career coaching sessions with our excellent Career Coaches. We picked the brain of our Senior Manager of Career Solutions, Christel Grissett, to find out her top resume and interview tips on putting your best foot forward as you embark on your career in the tech industry.
Tips for writing an entry-level tech resume
Your resume should be concise, direct, and impactful. Typically, resumes should not be much longer than one page in length. It is likely that the hiring manager recruiting for your position will be looking at several resumes, so make yours stand out at a glance by highlighting only your most recent and relevant experiences. Include the most directly applicable at the top of your resume. Don’t be afraid to get creative if you don’t have employment experience that is directly related to the position you are applying for; classes, group projects, and even seemingly unrelated past jobs can all provide you with valuable and widely-applicable skills.
Your resume is a live document
When it comes to creating your resume, keep in mind that you will want to tailor it specifically to each job that you apply for. Different roles require different skills, experiences, and expertise, so highlight applicable skills related to the particular role you are applying for. Another tip is to use keywords that appear in the job description throughout the document. “Creating a resume is not a ‘one and done’ deal,” Grissett warned. “Updating your resume for each job using the job description will help your resume come up within application tracking systems, so it does not become lost in the mix.”
Spell check your resume
Maintain a clean, legible, and professional font throughout your resume document. Create curb appeal by listing your skills and a summary of your accomplishments at the beginning of your resume. Grissett recommends against using premade resume templates because they are often flagged in applicant tracking systems. Save your resume as a PDF to send to the company and name it as your name and the position title so it will be easily found by both you and the company.
Include your soft skills
Soft skills, such as time management, leadership, and interpersonal skills, are all transferable across any job industry. Many of our Per Scholas graduates are looking to make career changes in a new job sector, and soft skills learned in previous roles are always useful and can be appealing on a resume. Be sure to include your soft skills to show the skills and experiences you have that could be applicable to any market.
Preparing for an entry-level tech interview
Research the company
Besides just researching the company, check out who will interview you on LinkedIn. Review what they post, like, and share – this could spark conversation and reduce any nerves you are experiencing since you will know who you are interviewing with beforehand.
Practice common questions & attend mock interviews before the interview
Practice makes perfect, but you don’t want to sound too rehearsed! One of the advantages of our training at Per Scholas is that our professional development days often include mock interviews – an opportunity to practice interviewing and become familiar with this part of the hiring process.
You can help yourself prepare for an upcoming interview by researching and brainstorming your own answers to some of the most commonly-asked interview questions. Common questions include “tell me a bit about yourself,” “what are some of your greatest strengths and weaknesses?” and “where do you see yourself in five years?” Having an idea of what to expect and what you will say beforehand can help you feel more relaxed, prepared, and confident going into the interview and can ensure that you give more satisfactory well-thought-out responses.
Give yourself a background check
Background check yourself! Whatever you see when you search yourself online or on social media will be what the recruiters see as well. A good recruiter will check your presence on social media to evaluate what you are projecting there and ensure that your online image aligns with company values. While job searching, take some time to make sure that the content of your social media accounts is something you would be comfortable with a potential future employer seeing.
If presented and leveraged correctly, your social media profiles can even be a powerful tool to elevate your application by demonstrating relevant experiences, interests, and values.
Consider this a conversation more than an interview
To help settle your nerves, consider the interview more of a conversation. “This is an opportunity to get to know who you could work for and if the company is right for you as well,” mentioned Grissett. Grissett also recommended leaving the interviewer with a question that prompts you to reveal more about yourself, such as, “is there anything I can disclose or speak to that shows my fit for this position?”
Ask questions and learn something new
Make sure to ask your interviewer plenty of questions. This can not only promote dialogue and help you and the interviewer get to know each other better, but it also demonstrates your interest in the position and helps you learn more about what can be expected from the position itself.
At some point during almost every interview, the interviewer will ask you if you have any questions. It is wise to prepare a list of questions before going into the interview. The questions may be answered naturally throughout the course of the interview, or you may bring them up when prompted, but asking questions about the position is an excellent way to show the interviewer that you are interested in and curious about the job, the organization, and its employees.
Asking thoughtful questions can also show the interviewer that you have done your research on the organization, but make sure you have actually done your research – don’t ask questions that could be easily answered by a quick online search!
Most importantly, asking questions is the best way to inform your own decision about whether or not you actually want to work in that particular position. Remember, while the interviewer will be evaluating you to determine whether or not you are a good fit for the position and company, you are also evaluating the position and company to determine if they are a good fit for you. The interview is a great opportunity to learn about the company, workplace culture, and the specifics of the role you will be taking on.
Some examples of good questions to help make an impression as well as learn about the responsibilities of the role you are applying for include:
- What does a typical day/week look like in this position?
- What are some skills and experiences that would be most helpful for someone in this position to have?
- What are some of the biggest challenges in this position?
- What are the growth opportunities for this position?
- What do you like about working at this company?
- What are the current goals that the company is focused on, and how does this team work to support hitting those goals?
- What is the workplace culture like at this company?
Regardless of whether you are selected for the position you are applying for, each interview can be viewed as an opportunity to learn something new about the company, workforce, and industry you are looking to join.
If you keep these interview and resume tips in mind, we know that you will be set up for success as you embark on your career in technology. A great resume and strong interviewing skills can get you far in the job application process! Many of these tips are reviewed in greater depth during our cost-free training as part of the professional development curriculum with our career and business development coaches, who dedicate one day a week of classes to career development training. To learn more about our upcoming training, visit our website.
Case Study: A Future-Proof Hiring Strategy to Build A Sustainable Techforce
A recent Forbes BrandVoice article written on behalf of Stand Together by Per Scholas Chief Revenue Officer Caitlyn Brazill explores the best way to future-proof hiring strategies. With the tech industry facing a widening skill gap, companies like AST, an enterprise systems integrator, struggle to find qualified candidates. This article proposes a solution: looking for untapped talent, which involves training individuals from diverse backgrounds who have been overlooked in the traditional hiring process.
AST faced a shrinking pool of qualified Salesforce administrators and needed to expand its entry-level talent quickly. By partnering with Per Scholas, we developed a customized training program tailored to their specific needs. This initiative not only filled open positions but also exceeded gender diversity goals (80% female) and increased workforce diversity (80% people of color). AST also experienced increased customer satisfaction due to the team’s diverse skill set. By following AST’s lead, companies can build a more diverse and skilled workforce, while also contributing to a more inclusive and thriving tech industry.
Read the rest of the article here to learn more about how Per Scholas can help your business hiring needs.
Per Scholas Featured in the Center for an Urban Future and The Bronx Community Foundation’s “50 Ideas for a Stronger and More Equitable Bronx” Report
Per Scholas is proud to have been featured in the Center for an Urban Future and The Bronx Community Foundation’s report: “50 Ideas for a Stronger and More Equitable Bronx.”
Although The Bronx is overflowing with opportunity, the report’s creators wrote, many Bronx residents still face “grave affordability challenges, as well as gaps in access to health care, open space, technology, and financial services…[As well as] steep barriers to obtaining the well-paying jobs that are growing in today’s economy.”
The Center for an Urban Future and The Bronx Community Foundation are dedicated to addressing the borough’s biggest challenges, expand on its potential, and lay a foundation for a stronger and more equitable borough. Their “50 Ideas for a Stronger and More Equitable Bronx” report presents 50 concrete policy ideas for what the Mayor, City Council members, the Bronx Borough President, and other city leaders can do to “help more Bronx residents get on the path to the middle class, strengthen social infrastructure, address the affordability crisis, close longstanding racial and ethnic opportunity gaps, improve the health of residents, and bolster neighborhoods across the borough.”
Per Scholas was featured on the list amongst other innovative programs, organizations, and ideas, and was recognized for it’s ability to provide an accessible, cost free skills training program, available to Bronx residents.
Per Scholas Joins Stand Together Foundation’s First Catalyst Impact Partners
Per Scholas is proud to announce that we’ve joined Stand Together Foundation’s Catalyst Impact Partner Grant Program, receiving management training, access to a new Customer First Measurement approach, and up to $300,000 in grants over the next three years. This partnership will directly support the expansion of our Career Accelerator programming, which provides Per Scholas alumni with additional technical upskilling and other professional development opportunities to support their career journey toward a thriving wage.
Stand Together Foundation’s Catalyst Impact Grant Program is built on the same belief that drives our work: investing in people and communities creates lasting change. We are thrilled to partner with Stand Together Foundation through this grant program that puts people at the forefront.
We kicked off our partnership earlier this month, where Per Scholas SVP of Learner and Alumni Success Jay Dierig, Per Scholas VP of Research and Evaluation Dr. Angelica Thompson, and Per Scholas SVP of Development Evelyn Chen attended Stand Together Foundation’s Impact Partner Summit in Carlsbad, CA. During three meaningful days, we had the opportunity to connect with two dozen other nonprofits to trade ideas and inspiration and to further develop strategies for how we can support at least 80% of Per Scholas alumni to attain a thriving wage within two years of their initial job attainment.
Our Catalyst Success Manager, Nick England, also visited us at our Bronx campus, meeting with staff and hearing from current cyber security learners about their individual journeys to Per Scholas and what lies beyond.
We are so excited to be embarking on this journey together to expand the impact of Per Scholas’ Career Accelerator, unlocking the potential we know exists in every single one of our thousands of alumni.
Per Scholas Alumni Featured on CNBC’s ‘Make It’ Series
As part of CNBC Make It’s Ditching the Degree series, Per Scholas Alumna Ayana Dunlap is featured as a woman who built a six-figure career without a bachelor’s degree. She shares with readers how the combination of the skills she built at Per Scholas and her transferable skills led to her transition from hospitality to her current role as the Assistant Vice President of Operations and Information Technology at the Bank Policy Institute. She’s now earning about $125,000 less than 4 years after graduating from Per Scholas, a salary that Dunlap says would have been “unimaginable” at this point in her career, had she stayed in hospitality.
Read the article to learn more about her journey.
Innovative Hiring Practices Will Prevail as Tech Roles Soar in 2024
Innovative Hiring Practices Will Prevail as Tech Roles Soar in 2024
With a quick start to the new year and looking back on 2023, we saw much movement in the tech industry. In a year that was predicted to see a slow in hiring and start of a recession, one industry prevailed: technology. While there were many tech layoffs, there were many more open tech jobs, so much so that the latest CompTIA report highlights the resilience of tech jobs in the labor market.
By 2033, tech skills will be vital in all job sectors, and 75% of American workers are actively upskilling to meet this demand. While so many tech roles remain unfilled, it’s time for employers to turn to innovative hiring practices and recognize the benefits of creating a diverse, sustainable tech talent pipeline. When recruiting diverse talent, it’s crucial to create a work environment that is equitable and inclusive for everyone. This not only sets your business up for better performance outcomes but also drives increased results. By leveraging Per Scholas’ industry outlook and TEKsystems’ latest DEI in IT data, employers have the opportunity to innovate for the future with alternative hiring practices.
What does the tech industry look like now?
In the face of a potential recession and job loss, the tech industry remains a steadfast source of opportunity. However, the industry is not immune to the winds of change, which bring about new challenges and demands. Leaders must prioritize top projects and deliver results to stay ahead and thrive. In this landscape of digital transformation and tech strategies, diversity is a key element that elevates businesses to new levels of productivity and performance. With more than 350,000 technology job openings available, it is crucial to fill them with skilled and diverse individuals. This quest will bring balance to the workforce and promote economic equity for all.
The urgency to upskill and hire individuals with tech skills is fueled by rapid advancements in AI, compelling companies to adopt new technologies and emphasizing the critical need for upskilling to keep pace. According to this CIO Dive article, in-demand tech jobs such as Cloud/DevOps, digital transformation, security/privacy, AI, automation, and data analytics are on the rise.
Where is the tech industry heading this year?
Artificial Intelligence integrations will remain a priority across industries, but they shouldn’t come at the cost of effective DEIB programs. Managing the cultural shift and transition to embrace AI is important as we consider the crucial need for diverse voices and representation in evolving technologies. The DEIB “trend” continues to move in the wrong direction as Indeed notes a 44% drop in related job postings.
Investing in tech talent pipelines that are diverse and purposeful with DEI work and building those with upskilling opportunities and IT certifications, companies have an opportunity to lead in tech with increased innovation and productivity. Diversity is good for business, individuals, and the economy and this year offers another chance to put words into action by hiring skilled, productive, and diverse technologists for the thousands of open tech roles.
Companies that don’t innovate their hiring strategies will fall behind.
With an ever-evolving technology landscape, innovative hiring practices are imperative. Companies need to have sustainable talent pipelines available and ready, meaning upskilling and having a talent pool with specific tech skills has to take precedence. If all jobs will be tech jobs in ten years, leaders need a plan now.
Together, TEKsystems and Per Scholas have opened up pathways for nontraditional IT talent, deepening diversity and equity in tech. We’ve combined our resources to equip learners with industry skills and connect them with employers who value their training.
I look to industry experts, such as TEKsystems Executive Director of Global Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity Franklin Reed, for insight into what it takes to intentionally recruit and retain an IT workforce with DEIB best practices in mind. “We’re seeing positive results across the board in DEI-focused recruiting strategies in IT.” Reed reflects. “But it takes daily effort and a sustainable approach. At the end of the day, it’s about people. Do your employees feel a sense of belonging? Have you audited your hiring processes to eliminate biases? Are your teams aware of the benefits of diversity and inclusivity at work? DEI in IT has a long way to go, but we are making progress.”
This year, I anticipate that tech roles, including those focused on AI skills, will become more prevalent than ever as more industries and sectors require tech skills in various roles. Innovative hiring practices will become essential to companies that need to build sustainable talent pipelines and prepare for the increased demand for talent, and Per Scholas is training learners across the nation to be part of that solution.