Addressing the IT Skills Gap

Reasons for the Skills Shortage

As this transition happens, and as older generations retire out of the workforce, the U.S. is seeing a skills gap occur across industries. For those reliant on technology and IT departments, this skills gap is especially apparent. Specialized and current tech skills are in high demand without a pool of applicants to choose from. According to one jobs report from 2018, there were around 850,000 open roles seeking professionals with software development skills. That need continues to grow.

Tips for Employers

There are things companies can do now, as this transition happens, so the skills gap doesn’t take a toll on their bottom line. Things like investing in reskilling the workforce so they can work with new digital technologies is one option. This comes with a steep price tag for training systems and in some cases skills that would take a lot of time to get up to speed on. Other options include choosing a freelancer for a small job or using onshore outsourcing where remote employees located geographically closer provide the needed skills. This, however, still comes with a skills gap since the shortage issue is happening across the U.S. Rates are also typically much higher than many businesses can dedicate their budget for.

How to Fill the Gaps with Our Global Talent Pool

Looking to offshore talent to fill the gaps in your workforce is a viable and increasingly popular choice especially for development projects that require certain skills to complete.
  Here’s why:

• Keep in-house talent focused: Instead of pulling current staff away from their tasks, you can leave them to focus where they’re needed and use offshore help for the other tasks.
• More affordable rates: Better options for different budgets exist when hiring offshore due to lowers costs of living and hourly rates overall.
• Gain agility: In today’s competitive marketplace, having the ability to quickly scale up when needed is a key differentiator.
• Potential for 24/7 operations: Because of the different time zones, businesses can benefit from around-the-clock work.
   
• Access to advanced skillsets: Many laborers in these markets have specialized skills that are hard to come by in the U.S labor pool.

Whichever route you take your business, one thing remains true – the skills gap is widening quickly and businesses that take no immediate actions will fall painstakingly behind.
VLink supplies the talent you need to be successful with our strategic IT staffing and outsourcing services. From contingent labor to full time hires, we can help solve your businesses most complex challenges.   Contact VLink today!