IT workers often face employer expectations of managing multiple skills as the workforce shrinks. Kimberly-Clark, for example, has reduced the number of IT job descriptions from more than 350 titles to about 40 -- many of which now require multiple skills, according to a Computerworld report. While many IT workers might be able to meet the company's old job requirements, they probably couldn't meet the new ones. To deal with this conundrum, companies are providing education and cross-training to help workers transition. In fact, 57 percent of organizations in a recent survey plan to enhance the skills of their existing IT workforce. For example, Cook Children's Health Care System in Fort Worth, Texas, launched a "pod" training program, which brings together a veteran professional, a mid-career employee and a new hire in a triple-cross-training program. The goal is for all three to exchange information that yields both a sharing of institutional knowledge and experience with new ideas and approaches. Companies are also forming strategic partnerships with community colleges so tech workers can acquire the hands-on experience and technical skills they need to fill current job openings. For example, Michigan has developed the Shifting Code program that works with
local companies such as Compuware, Quicken Loans and GalaxE. Solutions to teach employees in-demand software skills. These programs offered by employers committed to training and development can help IT workers from falling into the unemployment line and may be worth your effort to attend. Related Sources:
