Bridging the skills gap for Careers in STEM

Youth can be an exciting time but also one of high apprehension,?as young people look forward to joining the workforce in their dream organizations. While each generation may encounter different struggles as they join the workforce, Generation Z?has entered the world during a global pandemic and amid concerns over rising inflation, recession fears and geopolitical conflicts.

Industries across the globe are facing challenges with digital transformation occurring at a rapid pace.??We are in a new normal where acquiring ‘right’ talent is not only difficult but a challenge for a new age manager. One may call it ‘shortage’ – particularly for new age skills such as digital, cloud, cyber security and so on. Additionally, factors like virtual/hybrid work models, intense demand for certain skill sets, new ways of working have added to the challenges that?organizations?are facing to attract and retain their workforce. Therefore, the talent need in the region is leaning more towards hands-on work integrated learning within STEM to remain relevant within the industry.?

In the post pandemic era where economic instability has created insurmountable barriers for youth to pursue higher education it is imperative to provide more inclusive & accessible work and learn opportunities towards Tech careers.??As per the survey reports and insights women representation in Tech industry is a matter of immense concern. While there is a certain degree of improvement, however, it is still not up to the mark and is closer to only 30% owing to perceived notions and gender bias towards STEM education.?

Equity and diversity contribute to innovation as different perspectives and knowledge base enables teams to incorporate new ideas & flexible approaches for problem-solving, that impacts innovation. According to McKinsey’s?Delivering through diversity ?report which found that companies in the bottom quartile for both gender and ethnic/cultural diversity were 29% less likely to achieve above-average profitability. The Conference Board of Canada has graded Canada a “C” on its?2021 Innovation Report Card ?which might suggest that Canadian innovation and entrepreneurship are lagging in comparison to other developed geographies like US and Switzerland.?

With these challenges in mind, HCLTech has launched a path breaking early career paid Training program that provides employment and higher education opportunities for underrepresented & youth in BIPOC communities. The program gives high school graduates who do not have a college degree the ability to pursue a career in software development and testing, digital and cloud services, infrastructure delivery and engineering. The program offers work integrated learning opportunities to pursue their higher education pathway in STEM thereby adding value to their future career path.?

HCLTech Apprentices ?undergo 12 months intense training program that develops essential skills and competencies to fast track their career within Tech industry. Through various training phases Apprentices gain knowledge on foundational and track specific learnings focusing on niche IT skillsets. During the training period, apprentices get mentorship and guidance support from industry experts and get an exposure to multiple industry domains and IT platforms.??Once the Apprentices start their Full-time role, they get access to higher education through Tuition Assistance program for a debt free education.?

HCLTech is driven by its mandate of supercharging the potential of the young apprentices to find their spark in the Tech industry. Our investment through this early career program enables us to build robust talent pool for our future business demands.?

?HCLTech’ s Apprenticeship ?program displays commitment to not only provide employment and higher education opportunities, but it also contributes to a diverse and inclusive workforce to uplift underrepresented communities for economic empowerment whereby decreasing financial barriers.

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