On a scorching hot Thursday afternoon, I downloaded the first edition of the ROVC TechBarometer. A report on the state of affairs in the tech sector. ROVC has investigated what is going on in the technical (labour) market and what the developments are in the field of training and HR issues.
Broadly employable technicians
The results of this survey show that the technical sector considers employee development and training important conditions for growth. Furthermore, the majority of respondents indicated that they want to work in a more customer-oriented way and improve their competitive position. There is also said to be an increasing demand for technicians who can be broadly deployed.
Connecting education to business
As the main cause for the shortage of technicians, the report cites the difficult connection between regular education and the business sector. But also the poor image of the sector and the ageing population are highlighted. Respondents think that initiatives from the business community itself are particularly effective in counteracting this. Of course, the commitment of technical companies is very important, but whether this is the most effective way, I doubt.
Tech behind Lowlands
It is good to see more and more initiatives aimed at young people emerging to improve the image of engineering. For instance, I saw a video go by about the engineering behind the Lowlands festival. You would think that this would be a great way to reach young people. Unfortunately, the video had 'only' 681 views. That got me thinking. How do we pique the interest of adolescents and young adults? Are there perhaps ambassadors we can use?
YouTube technologists
But let's start with the target group itself. I asked my son. In my experience, he watches YouTube videos all day long and I wanted to know whether he also subscribes to tech companies' YouTube channels. "Yes he does," he replied immediately. "For example, I follow Techsource" (almost 869,000 subscribers) "and LinusTechTips" (over 2,982,000 subscribers). And that these gentlemen's videos do have an impact on him was soon apparent. I immediately saw who he is inspired by when buying computer parts, his gaming chair, etc. Various gadgets that I come across in his teenage room came across in the videos. I wonder if we as parents should be happy with this form of 'technical' influence, but this aside.
Heroes
Back to the image of the tech sector. Apparently, as adults (parents, teachers, industry), it is difficult to reach young people. Let alone convey the message 'Engineering is fun and a technical job offers you many opportunities'. In my opinion, we need to look for their heroes. Role models by whom they do allow themselves to be influenced. Because showing the engineering behind Lowlands is certainly a step in the right direction, but you have a much bigger reach if you let popular vloggers cover the engineering behind Lowlands in a vlog.
I thought of Enzo Knol. Or is he already 'out'? First let me ask my son who are 'hot' at the moment (At least if he allows me into his subculture).
This blog was written by Astrid van Ballegoy. View her profile here.
