State technology associations could use federal grants to develop apprenticeships that groom qualified workers to fill jobs in the technology sector under legislation introduced by U.S. Sen. Cory Gardner (R-CO) on Monday.
The technology sector employed 7 million workers and contributed more than $1 trillion to the U.S. economy in 2016. Because of a workforce skills gap, however, there can be up to 500,000 tech job openings during any given 90-day period.
“As the technology sector begins to play an even larger role in our economy, it’s important our workforce has the necessary skills and training to perform these jobs,” Gardner said.
The Championing Apprenticeships for New Careers and Employees in Technology (CHANCE in Tech) Act would leverage public-private support to develop apprenticeship programs in the tech sector to address the current skills gap.
“The technology industry currently faces a workforce shortage and Congress must work together to address this problem,” Gardner said. “This bipartisan legislation is an innovative solution to address the workforce shortage and will result in more Coloradans and Americans across the country receiving the proper training to enter the technology industry. The next 100 years will be defined by our ability to compete in the technology sector and the CHANCE in Tech Act will help the United States remain the global leader in technological developments.”
In 2016, more than 100,000 tech jobs were created, and Andrea Young, the president and CEO at Colorado Technology Association, said demand for highly skilled tech talent continues to accelerate.
“While we attract young workers from across the country, we need to create clear pathways for local students to make the leap into tech careers,” Young added. “Initiatives like the CHANCE in TECH Act can help connect candidates with work-based learning opportunities that grow our state’s economy and provides employers with another option in their overall talent acquisition strategy.”
Elizabeth Hyman, the executive vice president of public policy at CompTIA, said the United States is expected to have 1.8 million unfilled tech jobs by 2024 because of a dearth of workers with the necessary IT skills.
“If neglected, the IT skills gap will affect our country’s ability to protect national security interests and to compete economically on the global stage,” Hyman said.
Gardner introduced the bill with bipartisan support from U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-NM).