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The tech industry has had a challenge with diversity and inclusion for a long time now. While some companies have begun making their teams diverse, progress is extremely slow. According to TechCrunch, only 26% of women – and even fewer Hispanic (2%) and Black American (3%) women – are currently in the tech workforce.
Sponsors could play a role in bridging this gap.
FUNDED TECH TRAINING CAN REWRITE TECH HIRING HISTORY
When Google released its employment diversity report in 2014, it revealed a workforce composition of 83% men of which 60% were white and 34% Asian, it was supposed to be the first of many steps towards advocating for change in tech hiring, however, today, not much has changed in that regard. And to this end, the unending debate about the diversity gap in tech, and the perceived nonchalant attitude of tech companies influence the statistics positively.
Tech companies are not doing enough.
Closing the diversity gap in tech might imply adopting flexible hiring conditions, but more importantly, sponsoring tech training. The diversity gap is a direct reflection of an uneven access to quality tech training, and if companies can come together and donate towards a cause like GoCreate USA, they do not only reap a harvest of fresh talents to fuel their design and tech team, but they are also consciously promoting diversity. A win for the company and a win for the tech industry.
More than half of tech companies complain about hiring difficulties due to lack of qualified candidates, and one of the effective ways to resolve this is through funded tech training. The cost of training in tech is quite expensive when compared to other industries, staying up to date with tools, research, and resources. But the reward, immeasurable.
It is high time tech companies invested in tech training.
TO RESHAPE TECH HIRING, WE MUST REDEFINE TECH TRAINING
Reshaping tech hiring is more of a long shot when you consider where tech is coming from – an average applicant for a new role is expected to have a degree or a skill in the related field. In some firms, a degree is greater than a certificate. However, few can afford this skill or degree. And when there is a limit to who can access what, many will be marginalized. The excessive cost of training aids rigid hiring requirements.
One way to ensure that tech hiring shifts to merit, and that the most skilled and talented gets the job, is to allow talented people access quality tech training; make it accessible to all. Cost should not be a deal breaker for resilient people who are passionate about starting a career in tech. Therefore, we need like-minded people who are committed to reshaping tech to invest in a program that aims to redefine tech training – Go Create USA free tech bootcamp.
Inspire the next tech talent when you donate towards Go Create USA’s free UX Design bootcamp.