Skill shortage still primary concern   |  May 5, 2008  

By Peter Wolchak

A study from Microsoft Canada and the Strategic Counsel confirms an overwhelming majority of Canadian C-level executives, IT professionals and students believe there’s a shortage of information technology skills in Canada. However, their assessment of its severity differs: 90 per cent of respondents agree Canada is experiencing a shortage but only 60 per cent of C-level executives feel this is a serious concern for businesses, compared to 96 per cent of CIOs and 77 per cent of IT professionals.

One reason for this disparity is 76 per cent of C-levels see systems upkeep and maintenance as the most important role for IT. By contrast, three-quarters of IT professionals say they want more opportunities to make a difference for their organizations, while 85 per cent of students surveyed say more challenging work environments are a priority as they plan their IT careers.

However, that desire for interesting work may hit up against a workplace reality: IT professionals devote up to 80 per cent of their time to routine maintenance. Other study findings:

> 78 per cent of IT pros want opportunities to make a difference in their organizations

> 90 per cent agree IT executives should be consulted when a business is making a strategic decision

> 69 per cent of C-level executives characterize IT staff as “reactive,” well ahead of “strategic” and “innovative”

> 92 per cent of CIOs agree top IT talent is difficult to attract and retain; only 61 per cent of other C-level executives agree



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