How Bootcamps Bridge the Tech Skills Gap By: Monique Danao December 5, 2023 Estimated reading time: 4 minutes. Bootcamps are one of the top solutions to bridge the tech skills gap. Through intensive training in coding, cyber security, and data analytics, they equip students with the practical knowledge they need to meet the demands of the modern tech industry. Should you enroll in a bootcamp? This article explores how bootcamps offer specialized training and hands-on experience that will help you acquire the skills employers are looking for. 1. What is the technical skill gap? A technical skills gap occurs when there is a lack of job seekers or employees that possess the skills required by employers and the job market. The tech industry has a growing demand for professionals with technical skills. The rise of technologies like AI, machine learning, blockchain, and cyber security require specialised skills that not enough people possess. For example, a cyber security firm may require a cyber security analyst with coding and threat detection skills. If the company finds it difficult to find qualified candidates with the technical skills for this role, there's a technical skill gap. 2. How can we bridge the skill gap? Let's take a look at the most common ways to bridge the skills gap: Reskilling programs: Teach employees skills aligned with businesses needs to give them an opportunity to transition into an in-demand career path while retaining talent at the same time. Upskilling initiatives: Upskilling involves providing employees with training and resources, so they can improve their skills. It can include investing in professional training, coaching, conferences, forums, and trade fairs. E-learning: Encourage your employees to access online courses and digital resources for accessible and flexible learning opportunities. For example, LinkedIn Learning lets students access online courses about in-demand skills across industries. On-the-job training: Implement training programs to allow employees or trainees to hone their skills and gain hands-on experience on tasks relevant to their role. Certifications: Give employees the time and resources to finish specialised certifications and micro-credentials programs to validate specific skill sets so that they can showcase their expertise. 3. What is a bootcamp? Bootcamps are intensive short-term training programs that equip individuals with practical skills and knowledge for specific industries. Most boot camps are often in tech-related fields like coding, data science and cyber security. Their main goal is to provide students with skills tailored to industry demands so they can enter the area and gain employment quickly. 4. The anatomy of a bootcamp Bootcamps can vary in length. Some can last for a few weeks, while others run for several months based on the focus or depth of the curriculum. At Lighthouse Labs, there are two ways you can learn: full time or flexible part time. The full-time program is more intense. It requires 50h per week of study time, but it runs for 8 to 12 weeks. It is highly recommended for students who want to learn quickly or transition to a new career path. Flex is, as the name suggests, is more flexible. It requires around 25 hours per week of study time, but it has a longer duration. It is best for students who have other commitments. 4. Tech skills needed to bridge the gap Coding: The Digital Language Coding is an essential skill for many tech roles. This core skill is vital to building software, websites, and apps: app design. According to the Government of Canada, computer programmers have an ongoing labour shortage until 2031. Bootcamps on coding and web development offer immersive and hands-on learning experiences. For example, the Lighthouse Labs Web Development Program has units on JavaScript & Node.js, Ruby on Rails, Automated testing, Databases, and Data modelling. Being accepted into the Web Development bootcamp at Lighthouse Labs was a remarkable opportunity for Esther. The ICT Boost Initiative, backed by the Government of Canada’s Sectoral Workforce Solutions Program, allowed her to prepare for a web development role. She told Lighthouse Labs, “With the bootcamp, we were provided with specific instructions on what to study for and how much we needed to know on particular topics. Cyber security: Guarding the digital frontier A successful cyber attack can pose a risk to businesses, governments, and consumers. As online threats increase, there is a high demand for Cyber security professionals at all skill levels. According to the Insurance Business Magazine, there is a need for 40% more cyber security professionals within the next six or seven years. The Lighthouse Labs Cyber Security Bootcamp offers training on network security, encryption, coding, incident response, and more. It prepares students to safeguard digital assets and mitigate risks in an increasingly connected world. For example, Meenu, a Lighthouse Labs alumna from India, transitioned from a career in civil engineering to French language instruction and then to cyber security at age 35. She attended the Cyber Security Bootcamp and gained skills essential to launch a career in tech. Data Analytics: Deciphering the digital age Data is a primary currency of the digital age. Businesses use data analytics to learn insights, make informed decisions, and drive growth. The Government of Canada's Job Bank predicts that there will be a need for 29,300 data administrators and database analysts over the next decade. In the Lighthouse Labs Data Analytics Bootcamp, we offer students online training for databases, data visualization, statistical modelling, and coding. You'll also learn SQL, Pandas, NumPy, and QA processes for comprehensive data analysis. Conclusion The growing tech skills gap presents both a challenge and an opportunity for employers and employees in the tech industry. The lack of talent may inspire or motivate employers to find and retain qualified candidates with the necessary technical skills. Conversely, jobseekers can fill the void by acquiring in-demand tech skills to unlock lucrative career paths. Bootcamps help bridge this gap. They offer intensive programs with a focused and practical approach to learning industry-specific skills. The Lighthouse Labs Programs provide individuals with coding, cyber security, and data analytics skills. You can visit our website to explore our full-time bootcamp and flexible program offerings to embark on a transformative journey toward a rewarding tech career.