In 2024, companies are scrambling to attract tech talent, struggling with both a skills gap and a lack of diversity in the industry. The good news? More women are diving into tech subjects, from GCSEs to degrees.
At the start of the year, a study from Morgan McKinley made it clear: hiring managers now face tough competition to secure candidates with the right skills. AI and machine learning skills are particularly in short supply, just as these technologies are becoming essential for business growth.
There’s a heated debate about who’s responsible for this skills shortage. Some argue that industry training and flexibility are lacking, while others point to educational institutions failing students early on. The SCARI research released early in 2024 highlighted a misstep in the computing curriculum—too much focus on coding, which limits broader digital skills that are vital for future jobs.
Further up the pipeline, Computer Weekly’s findings showed that business leaders are alarmed by the shortage of skills in AI and cybersecurity. Employees expressed a desire to gain certifications in these areas, and 17% of IT workers indicated their companies plan to hire talent in AI, machine learning, and data science over the next year.
On a brighter note, over 21,000 girls took the GCSE computing exam this year, marking a third consecutive year of growth. Still, experts consider this number small in context. They feel stereotypes and the absence of female role models in the curriculum deter more girls from pursuing tech.
For A-Level computing, over 3,000 girls signed up, the first time this number has been reached since the subject’s introduction. This reflects the largest increase in five years, jumping by 28.6% from the previous year.
In the realm of higher education, women also made strides—nearly 3,000 of the 15,530 students accepted for computer science courses in the UK this year were female, translating to an 8% increase from last year.
Yet, the worry over AI skills lingers. Research from Expereo and IDC revealed that 37% of UK companies struggle to retain talent in AI, automation, and data, impacting their AI initiatives.
Despite concerns about the tech talent shortage, it appears that C-level executives in the UK are relatively more adept in technology than their counterparts worldwide, with nearly 25% boasting tech backgrounds, according to Accenture.
The pandemic transformed work dynamics, making flexibility a top priority for tech employees. Cath Everett recently highlighted how essential hybrid working is for retaining tech talent, ensuring those who work remotely feel valued alongside their in-office peers.
While the skills shortage remains a pressing issue, companies are increasingly focused on nurturing their internal talent to better equip their workforce for future challenges.