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SALT LAKE CITY — More employees are needed to fill the ever-growing need of technology companies. But, more and more students are shying away from math and science classes and may not have the skills needed for the jobs.
The technology industry is growing rapidly in Utah with 7,000 companies in Utah in the IT, Clean Tech, and Life Science industries. The president and CEO of the Utah Technology Council is a little frustrated when talking about the needs of the exploding tech sector in Utah.
"Employment is growing," said Richard Nelson, UTC President and CEO. "Talent is our issue. We can't find enough talent to fuel the growth of these 7,000 companies. We need to be better preparing our students, that pipeline."
Employment is growing. Talent is our issue. We can't find enough talent to fuel the growth of these 7,000 companies.
–Richard Nelson, UTC President and CEO
The obvious disconnect is between what is needed in Utah's businesses, and the fact that students aren't taking enough math and science classes in school.
"90 percent or more of the hot jobs, the jobs that are going unfilled, the high-paying, cool jobs, are STEM jobs," Nelson said. "They require extra effort." He suggested that Utah schools implement a grading system like Florida. He does credit the governor's administration and legislature for working on upping requirements for math and science.
Nelson said that industries can do a better job of getting into the classrooms, but educators also need to let them in. The Canyons School District has been exemplary in partnering with them to get students on the path toward these types of careers. In April, UTC named Canyons Superintendent, David Doty, the recipient of the Utah Technology Council's Educator of the Year award.
The governor recently announced a new initiative to improve schools, by getting volunteers from the business community inside. Technology companies have said more needs to be done to prepare students for careers. The goal is to have 20 business volunteers per school by the year 2020.
