Panel Discussion
Creating Programs to Support the Next Generation of the Digital Workforce
Jonathan Fiendel, Angela Siegel, Cathy Simpson, Kristen Hipson
Panel Synopsis: The continued growth of our digital ecosystem in Atlantic Canada, combined with transformative investments globally in next generation technologies, is driving the requirements for skilled digital talent in our region to new heights. This long-term, sustained, demand for digital skills - against a demographic headwind of an aging workforce - requires our region to look at new ways to attract, grow, and support the next generation of the digital workforce. The future digital workforce will need to adaptable, agile and have not just need computer science fundamentals but will require skills in data science, engineering, behavioral and health sciences and management.
Our panelists will present perspectives and success stories from industry, academia and public policy on strategies and programs that are working to attract, develop and support the future digital workforce. The panel will discuss the key pathways to meeting digital demand including attraction of youth for digital roles, striving for gender equity in digital roles, the role of immigration, and increasing accessibility to digital careers for underrepresented communities. Growing and supporting the next generation of the digital workforce requires innovative approaches, strong collaboration across industry and academia, a focus on diversity and inclusiveness and an agile approach to manage the rapid pace of technology change. |
|