U.S. Sens. Cory Gardner (R-CO) and Martin Heinrich (D-NM) recently introduced legislation to provide industry intermediaries, like state tech associations, the ability to receive federal grants to develop apprenticeships within the technology sector.
The Championing Apprenticeships for New Careers and Employees in Technology (CHANCE in Tech) Act will help alleviate the skills gap that may slow the continued growth of the technology sector.
In 2016 alone, the technology sector contributed more than $1 trillion to the U.S. economy, employed more than 7 million workers, and added more than 100,000 new jobs. Despite these impressive numbers, nationally, during any given 90-day period, there can be more than 500,000 tech job openings.
“The technology industry currently faces a workforce shortage and Congress must work together to address this problem,” Gardner said. “The next 100 years will be defined by our ability to compete in the technology sector and the CHANCE in Tech Act will help the United States remain the global leader in technological developments.”
U.S. Reps. Seth Moulton (D-MA), Jaime Herrera Beutler (R-WA), Derek Kilmer (D-WA), and Mia Love (R-UT) introduced companion legislation in the House.
“By encouraging apprenticeship programs for the tech sector, we can continue to strengthen the STEM pipeline and help New Mexico develop its vibrant technology economy,” Heinrich said. “This bill will connect students, training programs, and community colleges in New Mexico to the growing tech sector where jobs are opening up every day, and create a more prosperous future for our state.”
The United States is expected to have 1.8 million unfilled tech jobs by 2024 due to the dearth of workers with the necessary IT skills.
“If neglected, the IT skills gap will affect our country’s ability to protect national security interests and to compete economically on the global stage,” Elizabeth Hyman, CompTIA’s executive vice president of Public Policy, said. “The CHANCE in Tech Act introduced today will address the growing IT talent challenge by encouraging public-private funding for apprenticeship programs in the technology sector and providing students with the necessary skills to compete in the 21st Century workforce.”