News Summary
Kansas City’s tech industry is booming, but a significant talent shortage looms. With 4,000 tech jobs unfilled and only 8,800 computer science graduates this year in the region, the KC Tech Council is leading initiatives like KC Techbridge to bridge the gap. Their focus is on standardizing training pathways to ensure candidates are job-ready, aiming to fill 100% of tech jobs through local resources. Per Scholas also opens a campus offering free IT training to meet demand, emphasizing inclusivity and economic uplift for the community.
Kansas City’s Tech Workforce Faces a Shortage Amid Rapid Growth
Welcome to Kansas City, where the tech scene is buzzing but facing a big challenge! As the demand for tech talent soars, the region finds itself in a tight spot – there simply aren’t enough candidates to fill the open positions. With over 4,000 tech jobs needing to be filled, the situation is becoming pressing for employers in the area.
The Numbers Speak Volumes
In 2023 alone, more than 17,000 tech jobs were posted across Kansas City, even in what’s been considered a “soft year” for hiring. Who would have guessed that despite a growth in opportunities, only 8,800 students graduated from local colleges with computer science degrees in Missouri, Kansas, Iowa, and Nebraska? This discrepancy highlights a potential crisis for the future of the tech workforce in Kansas City.
Bridging the Gap with KC Tech Council
Recognizing the urgent need for skilled tech workers, the KC Tech Council is stepping up to create a coalition to tackle this pressing talent gap. Their initiative, called KC Techbridge, has one admirable aim: to ensure that candidates are fully job-ready with the right skills and certifications. Funded by a grant from the Kauffman Foundation, this initiative aspires to fill 100% of tech jobs in the Kansas City area using local resources.
Training Pathways for a Brighter Future
The KC Techbridge initiative is designed to streamline and standardize training pathways that connect high school, postsecondary education, and workforce training. The tech workforce in Kansas City has already seen a remarkable growth of 16% from 2021 to 2023. The future looks even brighter, with projections indicating up to 300% growth in cybersecurity and data analytics over the next decade!
Filling the Gaps in Training
While there are many training programs available, most have focused on reskilling adult learners for tech jobs. Unfortunately, employers are not sourcing candidates from these non-degreed programs at a rate that meets current demands. This has prompted KC Tech Council to emphasize the importance of collaboration among businesses, civic leaders, non-profits, and educational institutions to create a more equitable tech workforce.
A New Option for IT Training
The opening of a new campus by Per Scholas in Kansas City is an exciting development for those looking to venture into the tech field. Providing no-cost IT training, Per Scholas aims to meet the growing demand for skilled IT professionals. This strategic partnership with Great Jobs KC offers a comprehensive IT training program that lasts 13 weeks and includes preparation for CompTIA A+ and Google IT Support certifications.
Inclusivity Takes Center Stage
With an impressive focus on inclusion, Per Scholas Kansas City reports that 85% of their learners are people of color and more than 40% identify as women. In fact, graduates from this program frequently see their wages triple compared to what they earned before training. This statistic highlights not only the effectiveness of the training but also the potential for improving the economic standing of individuals in the community.
The Road Ahead for Kansas City’s Tech Industry
The KC Tech Council remains committed to advocating for public policies that foster growth within the tech industry and supports meaningful workforce development initiatives. With everyone working together—the corporate sector, educational institutions, and community organizations—there is hope for a stronger and more skilled tech workforce in Kansas City, one that can fill the gap and contribute to the city’s vibrant tech landscape.
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Additional Resources
- Startland News: KC Techbridge
- Fox 4 KC: Tech Industry Adding Jobs
- Comcast: Per Scholas Expands Tech Training
- Kansas City Star: Guest Commentary
- PR Newswire: Per Scholas Expands Training
- Wikipedia: Kansas City
- Google Search: Kansas City tech industry
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Kansas City
- Google Scholar: Kansas City tech workforce
- Google News: Kansas City tech jobs
