There are a number of strategies and initiatives underway to counteract skill shortages in Canada's information technology sector.
Some updates on these efforts include:
Regional
- Over 200 internationally experienced IT professionals have their profiles posted online at Skills International. London Region employers can access this pool of over 200 pre-screened and work authorized IT sector candidates.
- TechAlliance is supporting several London Region initiatives designed to help local employers connect with the world of internationally-trained professionals in London Region. These initiatives include the LMIEC, the Mentorship for Newcomer Success Program and Skills International. Check out Marilyn Sinclair's TechPulse column on Hidden Talent Pools. This column appeared in the April 29th edition of the London Free Press.
Provincial
- In Ontario, internationally educated professionals account for approximately 20% of workers employed in information and communications technology occupations. (ICTC)
Federal
- The Information and Communication Technology Council (ICTC) of Canada indicates that "Canadian employers will need to fill between 126,400 and 178,800 ICT jobs from 2008-2015. Workers with the mix of technology skills, industry experience and business skills are in high demand, but a lack of qualified resources has caused many ICT employers to face recruitment difficulties."
- ICTC's research also shows that internationally educated professionals -- "whether they are seasoned professionals, recent graduates or currently employed outside their field -- are particularly well positioned to fill vital roles in Canada's ICT sector."
- The ICTC has an initiative aimed at improving the integration of IEPs into Canada's workforce -- The Internationally Educated Professionals Integration Initiative.
- A number of tools have been developed through the ICTC and this ICTC initiative including:
Outlook on Human Resources in the ICT Labour Market (pdf)
HR Management Guide for Canadian ICT Companies (pdf)
Talent for Hire: Diversifying Talent in Small and Medium Enterprises in the ICT Sector -- the Business Case (pdf)
- Info-Tech Research Group recently gave a presentation (pdf) at the London Public Library's annual forum on IT skills and positions that are in demand or waning.
- The Temporary Foreign Worker program indicates that certain IT positions are in demand and currently waives the need for a Labour Market Opinion. For more information, click here.
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