The ever-changing IT industry continues to present businesses with challenges around workers that have the right skill set for the emerging standards in Information & Communications Technologies (ICT). ICT encompasses all emerging, evolving and converging computer, software, networking, telecommunications, Internet, programming and information systems technologies; ICT job functions impact all types and sizes of businesses.
EWD's Centers of Excellence (COE), in partnership with the Mid-Pacific ICT Center, have been conducting a multi-phase study of ICT to assess its integration into, and impact on, California businesses and workers. In the latest phase, the study draws on input from more than 600 employers throughout California, surveying traditional ICT firms and non-ICT firms on the importance of ICT job functions to their business activities.
A majority of employers feel ICT is strategically important to their organizations and that knowledge of ICT is increasingly important for their employees.
ICT occupations across all industries represent approximately 5% of California's workforce and earn a median wage of $35 per hour - 41% higher than the median wage across all occupations in the state.
ICT firms are expected to outpace the general labor market in two-year job growth. The surveyed employers reported a projected two-year growth rate of 3.8% overall, similar to existing estimates that suggest approximately 4% job growth for the state over the same period. However, within the survey sample, self-identified ICT firms expect growth of 8.5%, while non-ICT firms anticipated flat or declining employment growth over the next two years.
The COE will continue to study ICT impacts as it embarks on a series of regional in-depth occupational studies, surveying employers about ICT and its job functions with specific relevance to their region. Research objectives will also address current employment, future growth and emerging trends in these types of jobs.
To download the ICT reports, or to view other California industry reports, go to www.coeccc.net.
Read the latest EWD Newsletter: Grow California to learn more about EWD's innovative industry programs.
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