IT Industry Survey Bridging RI Graduates to Entry-Level Tech Jobs

PROVIDENCE, RI– Tech Collective, Rhode Island’s information technology and bioscience industry association, and Bridge Technical Talent today release the “Enter IT RI” – Rhode Island Entry-Level IT Workforce Needs survey.

The survey aims to identify the technical and work readiness skillsets which Rhode Island IT employers are seeking from recent college graduates and entry-level job applicants. The survey is open to all Rhode Island IT employers, including “core” IT companies and “utility” IT companies across other industries which employ IT professionals. The “Enter IT RI” survey can be completed athttps://www.surveymonkey.com/r/EnterITRI.

The results of the survey will be analyzed and compiled into a final report with the goal of informing and influencing computer science curriculums throughout Rhode Island’s higher education institutions. A panel discussion will also be held to discuss the survey outcomes and action plans to help the continued alignment of employer need with college and university curriculums as well as lessening the skills gap upon employment.

“As Rhode Island works to develop a cohesive education-to-workforce pipeline, it’s imperative that our higher education CS/CIS departments and technology business leaders are communicating,” said Joe Devine, partner at Bridge Technical Talent. “Understanding and integrating the technical and soft skills required to ensure successful employment of our college and university graduates at the entry-level is a key component of this. The “Enter IT RI” survey developed directly with industry employers is the first step in creating this on-going dialogue.”

In January 2014, Tech Collective released its “Why IT Works” Rhode Island IT Skills Gap Report benchmarking the state’s IT industry and workforce needs. The report cited 13,500 IT professionals employed in Rhode Island across “core” and “utility” IT employers. IT is one of the fastest growing industries according to LMI data as well as employer need – 76% of employers surveyed for the report indicate they anticipate their business will expand over the next 3-5 years. IT is also a sustainable, high-wage industry, with average salaries nearly double the total private sector wage ($79.226 and $45,769 respectively).

“The IT industry is a significant economic driver for Rhode Island,” said Kathie Shields, executive director at Tech Collective. “Recognizing the potential and critical role of this industry, there have been several programs put into place to develop IT and STEM talent. However, with the fast-changing nature of technology and evolving skillsets required, there needs to be a continuous connection to employers.  The ‘Enter IT RI’ survey aims to strengthen that connection and help bridge emerging professionals with entry-level employment, keeping the pipeline of talent, employer, and innovation growth right here in Rhode Island.”

The “Enter IT RI” survey can be completed at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/EnterITRI. The deadline to complete is Friday, October 30, 2015. Individuals who have questions about the survey should contact Giselle Mahoney at Tech Collective –gmahoney@tech-collective.org / (401) 521-7805.

About Bridge Technical Talent:  Bridge is a full-service IT staffing firm providing contract, permanent, and contract-to-hire staffing solutions.  Headquartered in North Kingstown, Rhode Island, Bridge has proudly served customers in Southern New England for over a decade.  With demonstrated success supporting the recruiting initiatives of Fortune 100 companies as well as locating the perfect candidates for early stage start-ups, Bridge places skilled IT professionals in positions that range from entry-level to senior management and that span numerous industries, with a focus in finance, healthcare, software and higher education. http://www.bridge-talent.com/. Connect with Bridge on Twitter ǀ LinkedIn ǀ Facebook.

About Tech Collective: Tech Collective is Rhode Island’s Information Technology and Bioscience Industry Association. We foster the growth, innovation, and economic momentum of Rhode Island’s high-tech industries and workforce. Collaborating with local and national government, industry, and academic partners, Tech Collective programs directly impact Rhode Island. Since its transition from the Rhode Island Technology Council (RITEC) in 2004, Tech Collective has received more than $12M in federal, state, and private grant funding. Awards and funding include Governor’s Workforce Board RI Industry Partnerships, Real Jobs RI, Ready to Work/ Tech Force RI, and national recognition with the state of Rhode Island from President Obama’s TechHire initiative. Get connected to Tech Collective at http://www.tech-collective.org/, on LinkedIn (Tech-Collective), on Twitter (@Tech_Collective), and on Facebook (TechCollectiveRI).

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