A new not-for-profit group, Tech Channel Ambassadors, has been created to address the IT skills gaps and boost diversity. With the UK’s IT distribution channel contributing around £50bn to the UK economy and requiring around 100,000 people to plug the current skills gap, the TCA’s Community Interest Company (CIC) is looking to promote activity in […]
A new not-for-profit group, Tech Channel Ambassadors, has been created to address the IT skills gaps and boost diversity.
With the UK’s IT distribution channel contributing around £50bn to the UK economy and requiring around 100,000 people to plug the current skills gap, the TCA’s Community Interest Company (CIC) is looking to promote activity in the channel and encourage more inclusivity.
The social enterprise is also poised to broaden the appeal of IT careers, focusing on outreach to those in education, individuals re-entering the workforce, and those considering a career pivot.
TCA identified a significant barrier to entry as the misconception surrounding the nature of IT jobs.
The initiative seeks to debunk myths such as the necessity of coding skills or a background in science and maths for success in the industry.
Special attention will also be given to underrepresented groups, including women, BAME, disabled, neurodiverse, and disadvantaged individuals, the TCA said in a press release.
Tech Channel Ambassadors plans to expand its reach and impact by engaging with schools, career advisors, and governmental bodies.
The initiative also calls upon the broader IT channel community, including vendors, distributors, value-added resellers, system integrators, and service providers, to join forces.
The initiative’s leadership committee includes well-known channel figures, including Ian Kilpatrick, former executive vice president of Nuvias.
Other committee members include Crayon managing director Hayley Mooney; Distology CEO Hayley Roberts; Westcoast executive director Alex Tatham; Rubrik director of channels and alliances Lisa Roberts; Rebecca Monk, chief people officer at Softcat; and Wendy Shore, who represents the TCA.
Addressing the long-standing issue of talent scarcity, Kilpatrick said: “We have had a shortage of talent for decades, and there is a continual stress point with companies paying money to hire and retrain talent, followed by churn and then repeating the cycle again.
“This impacts remuneration at all points in the business chain, which then negatively impacts growth and profits.”
A recent Forbes survey revealed that 93% of UK businesses believe there is a clear gap in IT skills in the country’s job market.
Of the surveyed businesses, 41% highlighted the lack of training opportunities as the leading cause of this skills gap. Additionally, 37% also believe the problem is due to the need for more relevant educational opportunities.
Tech Channel Ambassadors committee member Kilpatrick advocates for a comprehensive strategy that introduces the IT industry to potential talent at an early stage, from primary schools to higher education and beyond.
