If we don't act now the situation will only become more serious and will prevent our companies and our industry from growing
Vancouver, BC (PRWEB) October 27, 2007
In response to a 2006 technology talent report that identified the need for over 9000 skilled workers in both technical and customer facing roles, the BC Technology Industry Association -- along with a host of established and emerging tech companies -- is stepping up efforts to woo talent from outside BC. First stop on the whistle tour is Chicago, Illinois where BC tech companies, among them, Sierra Wireless, PMC-Sierra, Business Objects and Vision Critical, will meet with soon-to-be graduates, recent graduates and alumni at four targeted academic institutions.
"Sierra Wireless is participating in this mission because we see out-of-province talent as an essential part of our recruiting strategy. We've known for some time that the BC talent pool isn't large enough to meet the growing demands of the tech industry so it is good to see the industry pulling together to address our needs," said Jason Cohenour, Chief Executive Officer Sierra Wireless.
BCTIA's Labour Trends in the British Columbia Technology Sector report, delivered earlier this year, points out that the technology industry, which employs approximately 70,000 workers today, forecasts adding 15% more employees in 2007/2008. One data point that illustrates the need today is the more than 1200 open opportunities posted to TNET, a popular BC technology job portal.
Under the BCTIA banner of TechTalentBC, this industry-led attraction initiative is one way the tech industry aims to address the serious skills shortage it is facing.
A task group, comprised of senior human resources representatives from BC technology companies has been working with the BCTIA over the summer months to develop the initiative.
"If we don't act now the situation will only become more serious and will prevent our companies and our industry from growing," said President, Rob Cruickshank. "These outreach efforts allow tech companies to get in front of potential employees in other jurisdictions to discuss tangible opportunities, and to paint a clear picture of work and life in BC. It's a compelling story and a strong reason to come work, live and play in BC."
In order to gain access to these potential employee audiences, the task group will work with academia, government and industry to engage career officers within targeted academic institutions. Other international recruiting forums targeting the US West Coast, are currently in the works.
To support the attraction campaign, BCTIA has launched an information portal, http://www.techtalentbc.org that highlights career opportunities and information about working and living in BC.
In addition, BCTIA is also pushing for changes to the current Provincial Nominee Program in order to accelerate the hiring process for out of country talent. As well, it is establishing ways to grow the required talent in BC through specialized education and training programs.
Any BC tech company that's looking to hire key talent is invited to participate in this initiative and can contact BCTIA directly.
About the BCTIA:
BC Technology Industry Association (BCTIA) is a not-for-profit, member-funded organization that represents start-ups to established technology companies, across the province. Incorporated in 1993, the BCTIA has served the province's technology industry for over a decade and today is recognized locally, provincially and nationally as the voice of BC's technology industry.
As the voice of BC's technology industry, BCTIA is committed to the ongoing growth, sustainability and prosperity of BC's economy and the technology industry that serves it. The Association delivers opportunities for members to connect, learn and grow their businesses in BC. For more information visit http://www.bctia.org.
For more information, please contact:
Catherine Ducharme
604-813-6104
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