Survey reveals need to develop technology talent

June 16, 2021

struggle for local technology talent continues 

Sault Ste. Marie, ON – The Sault Ste Marie Innovation Centre (SSMIC) and the Algoma Workforce Investment Corporation (AWIC) released the 2021 Algoma ICT (Information Communication Technology) and Technology Workforce joint survey results. The results revealed that the struggle for local technology talent continues and that finding applicants with appropriate work experience remains a challenge. The survey validates that the opportunity for local youth to consider an ICT career continues to be an excellent choice.

Fifteen local employers who staff technology related positions provided feedback on a range of workforce issues including projected vacancies, hiring, recruitment strategies and challenges, as well as perspectives on candidate skills, education, and training. The organizations that participated in the survey represent a strong majority of the Algoma employers who currently staff skilled technology workers. Survey respondents employ approximately 3,330 individuals and of those individuals employed, approximately 518 specifically work in Information Communication Technology and Technology roles in Algoma and hold full-time positions.

Respondents revealed plans to hire 51 full-time, 2 part-time and 3 contractor positions in the next 12-24 months. The main reasons for new hires reported by participating employers were 73% due to expansion and growth. Survey results also concluded that:

• 73% reported that local supply of technology talent is inadequate
• 64% reported applicants do not have the required work experience
• 82% reported applicants have the required technical skills
• 73% of local technology employers feel they have opportunities for advancement
• Two-thirds of the technology workforce is under the age of 44 

The feedback from our local employers on future skills in demand show that there is considerable overlap in the predicted required critical hard skills of the future as listed by the local Information and Communication Technology Council (ICTC). 

Skills in the Cybersecurity, Networking and Cloud Computing technology areas are highly sought-after to meet current and future demands. 
Employers reported that they launch their recruiting campaigns locally and provincially and only rarely nationally or globally. When we asked employers if they recruit technology employees and allow for full-time remote working; 55% reported “No” and 45% reported “Yes.”

AWIC and the Sault Ste. Marie Innovation Centre plan to use the survey results to develop future programming to help mitigate some of the challenges local employers are faced with in the local technology sector. Please contact SSMIC or AWIC for the detailed Survey Results Report.
 
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About the Sault Ste. Marie Innovation Centre 
The Sault Ste. Marie Innovation Centre (SSMIC) is a non-profit organization established in 1999 to function as a catalyst for economic development and diversification in the information technology and 
science knowledge-based sectors in Sault Ste. Marie and the Algoma region. SSMIC’s mission is to drive business growth, facilitate research and commercialize innovation in globally significant areas of science and technology through partnerships, expert advice, community development, business incubation, youth outreach and sector development activities. Key SSMIC business divisions include Acorn Information Solutions (AIS), Rural Agri-Innovation Network (RAIN), Business Support Services, and YouLaunch. www.ssmic.com 

About AWIC
The Algoma Workforce Investment Corporation (AWIC) is a community-based, non-profit corporation. It is one of 26 Workforce Planning Boards in the Province of Ontario, funded by the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development (MLTSD). AWIC is a trusted community partner in Algoma, providing data and insight in support of a diverse and talented workforce that contributes to prosperous communities. Our work prepares Algoma’s communities for the workforce challenges and opportunities of today and the future. www.awic.ca 

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Northern Ontario Value-Added Agriculture (NOVA) Program Launches

October 11, 2024
The Sault Ste. Marie Innovation Centre (SSMIC) has launched the Northern Ontario Value-Added Agriculture (NOVA) Program to empower agri-food entrepreneurs across Northern Ontario to develop new food products. By offering workshops, training sessions, networking events, and a mentorship program, NOVA aims to equip Northern entrepreneurs with the essential skills and knowledge needed for long-term business growth and sustainability. Supported by $42,080 in funding from the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness, NOVA will address the critical need for professional development in the agri-food sector. It focuses on enhancing entrepreneurial skills, improving safety and risk management practices, and providing strategies to expand market presence at home and abroad. “The agri-food promise and potential of Northern Ontario is immense, and our government will continue to work with Northern partners like the SSMIC to help seize it,” said Rob Flack, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness. “NOVA will help unlock more of the huge untapped entrepreneurial energy and ambition of Northern agri-food entrepreneurs to build strong local businesses, create good-paying jobs and strengthen Northern Ontario’s economy.” Program goals include strengthened business capabilities, job creation, and increased economic activity, leading to a more vibrant and sustainable agri-food sector in Northern Ontario. By fostering public engagement with agriculture and local food, NOVA will also contribute to rural development and enhanced community well-being. "Through the NOVA Program, we are excited to provide agri-food entrepreneurs with the tools and networks they need to thrive," said Peter Bruijns, Executive Director of the Sault Ste. Marie Innovation Centre. "This initiative not only supports individual businesses but also strengthens our entire region's agricultural ecosystem." For more information visit: https://rainalgoma.ca/programs/the-northern-ontario-value-added-agriculture-nova-training-program/ SSMIC would also like to thank FedNor the Government of Canada, and the Sault Ste Marie Community Development Corporation for their support in this exciting program. 

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