As SA's ICT sector faces a dwindling pool of potential skills, affecting its ability to compete internationally, ITWeb's Brainstorm magazine is unveiling an initiative to co-ordinate and boost skills development.
A recent ITWeb survey - across 158 companies from all sectors - showed the CIO's top concern is getting new talent into companies, with 50.3% of CIOs saying recruitment was their main issue; more so than governance.
The survey also showed 61.2% of CIOs are hiring specific IT skills, while only 17.2% are hiring general IT skills. Yet, only 31.2% of the respondents have an internship programme.
In a bid to alleviate this shortage, ITWeb Brainstorm's plan is to identify, focus on and foster the most successful local skills initiatives, bringing the industry together to pool knowledge and resources to boost skills in SA.
The initiative will especially target young learners from disadvantaged backgrounds and encourage companies to step up and provide facilities, training, employment opportunities, time or funding.
"For years, the industry has been talking about the huge dearth in ICT skills, and saying that someone needs to make this or that happen. We've decided to be that someone," says Jane Steinacker, editor of Brainstorm magazine.
"Every individual and company has something to offer, from a few hours of time, to equipment or knowledge."
Pooling ideas
Brainstorm's role, she says, will be co-ordinating activities, measuring the success of programmes to ensure resources are effectively used, and providing the platform for everyone involved to communicate and share ideas. "There are several highly successful projects out there, but they are not communicating with each other or sharing resources. The idea is to unite disparate projects, for the betterment of South African skills as a whole."
Steinacker notes: "By creating an industry initiative, we will be able to nourish the seeds of excellence and change the tide of SA's skills shortage in our industry. There is no doubt that SA needs a highly skilled workforce if it is to thrive in today's highly competitive global environment, as well as adapt to rapidly changing technologies and business opportunities.
"Brainstorm is committed to helping the industry achieve the skilled workforce that it needs to boost the country's productivity and grow its international competitiveness. Working with the industry - to develop skills, share knowledge and use resources most effectively - is the best hope we have of achieving this," Steinacker notes.
Companies or individuals wishing to get involved and actively contribute to this industry initiative should contact Jane Steinacker on jane@brainstormmag.co.za. The initiative will kick off with a breakfast discussion on 26 February. Places are limited, so please respond as soon as possible.
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