Research from mthree, a talent and training partner which supports clients in building job-ready teams has revealed the sharpest tech skills shortages in software engineering, data science, and cybersecurity. The vast majority (90 per cent) of businesses face challenges when recruiting entry-level tech talent.
mthree’s fourth annual Diversity in Tech report highlights a widening gap between the skills businesses need and those available in the candidate pool, raising significant concerns for the future of the tech industry.
It discovered that nearly two-thirds (61 per cent) of businesses are grappling with major shortages in specific technical skills. Software engineering was reported by 62 per cent of employers as the most difficult area to recruit entry-level hires for. This was followed by data science and cybersecurity, with 47 per cent and 41 per cent of businesses respectively reporting substantial skills gaps.
While technical skills are in particularly short supply, employers are also seeing a deficit in professional skills – otherwise known as ‘soft skills’. In fact, just under a third (31 per cent) of employers say candidates are lacking the necessary capabilities they desire from new recruits, such as communication or problem-solving.
Commenting on the research, Imran Akhtar, head of academy at mthree, said: “Tech employers are navigating a perfect storm of challenges when it comes to building their teams. Not only are they dealing with a significant shortfall in technical skills across areas like software engineering, data science, and cybersecurity, but they are also encountering a lack of essential soft skills in new recruits. This dual deficit is making it increasingly difficult for businesses to recruit and retain entry-level talent capable of meeting their demands.
The research underscores the urgency for organisations to rethink their workforce strategies to support the pipeline of emerging talent. Failure to address these issues could have serious implications, from delayed innovation to lost business opportunities.
Imran Akhtar, head of academy at mthree, continued: “To meet these challenges head on, businesses must take a proactive approach by investing in targeted training programmes that focus on both technical expertise and job-ready skills. These investments will help bridge the gap between education and employment, equipping young professionals with the tools they need to thrive in the modern tech landscape.”
To read the full findings, visit https://mthree.com/diversity-in-tech-report-2024/.
