Survey available to identify IT workforce needs

PROVIDENCE – Tech Collective and Bridge Technical Talent have released a survey – Enter IT RI – to identify the technical and work readiness skillsets that Rhode Island employers are looking for in recent college graduates and entry-level job applicants.
The survey, which is open to all Rhode Island employers, can be completed at surveymonkey.com/r/EnterITRI.
The survey deadline is Oct. 30. Results will be compiled into a final report with the goal of informing and influencing computer science curriculums throughout the state’s higher education institutions.
A panel discussion also will be held to discuss survey results.
“As Rhode Island works to develop a cohesive education-to-workforce pipeline, it’s imperative that our higher education CS/CIS departments and technology business leaders are communicating,” Joe Devine, partner at Bridge Technical Talent, an IT staffing firm, said in a statement. “Understanding and integrating the technical and soft skills required to ensure successful employment of our college and university graduates at the entry-level is a key component of this. The ‘Enter IT RI’ survey developed directly with industry employers is the first step in creating this on-going dialogue.”
A release about the survey from Tech Collective and Bridge Technical Talent said IT is one of the fastest-growing industries in the state, and that it is also a high-wage industry, with average salaries nearly double the total private sector wage ($79,226 and $45,769 respectively).
“The IT industry is a significant economic driver for Rhode Island,” Kathie Shields, executive director at Tech Collective, said. “Recognizing the potential and critical role of this industry, there have been several programs put into place to develop IT and STEM talent. However, with the fast-changing nature of technology and evolving skillsets required, there needs to be a continuous connection to employers. The ‘Enter IT RI’ survey aims to strengthen that connection and help bridge emerging professionals with entry-level employment, keeping the pipeline of talent, employer and innovation growth right here in Rhode Island.”
Individuals who have questions about the survey should contact Giselle Mahoney at Tech Collective at gmahoney@tech-collective.org or (401) 521-7805.

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