Europe faces a tough challenge to meet its target of 20 million ICT professionals by 2030, and therefore currently estimates a labor shortage of around 11 million. The European Commission is advocating for private companies to encourage investments in R&D and qualified training. Education should be followed globallyRedeploy existing personnel and Adaptation of lifestyle to new technologiesCreating new cyber security professionals in other industries.
In your statement Joint Employment Report 2023The European Commission warns Labor shortage in all countriesCyber ​​security experts, especially in sectors that have not recovered from the pandemic, such as healthcare, transportation, construction, engineering, and especially software development and high-tech.
Information-related science and technology fields require more technical specifications. There is a shortage of untrained staff in key subjects such as cyber security, which are advancing at a frenetic pace. Something similar is happening with AI, which is a major challenge for the EU today.
Disadvantage of the gender gap
He Report Employment and Social Development in Europe focuses on the under-representation in the labor market of certain demographic groups, particularly young people, people with disabilities and women. truly, Only 17% of ICT professionals are women.
Future situation
The European Commission considers it indispensable Allocation of 64.8 billion Euros To promote technical employment policies in Member States from the EU budget and Next Generation Fund.
Demographic trends warn that, in the short term, The gradual aging of the European population may create and affect a lower quality workforce. In fact, a 2.64% decrease in the working age population is estimated, from 265 million people in 2022 to 258 million people in 2030.
He Adecco Annual Report It indicates that AI and ML engineers, cyber security specialists (as threats advance and become more complex) and specific software developers will be the most in-demand occupations in 2024.
Reasons for Shortage of Specialists
As a result, if there is a shortage of experts in cyber security and other ICT matters defective Education of Professionals and the Evolution of Institutional Needs. The offer of specific specializations in Industry 4.0 is limited, so the Spanish labor market is not ready to meet the high demand for positions such as cyber security specialists.
He Barometer CO CYD Foundation, decides 48% of Spaniards consider that training is not in line with the needs of the labor market, the reason companies are not finding the talent they want. A workforce with skills in new technologies, language skills, digital and cross-functional skills is needed.
There is another drawback Speed ​​of technological development and shortage of graduates. As Industry 4.0 advances at a rapid pace, it becomes increasingly complex for professionals to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and technologies, so finding the optimal local candidates becomes a real odyssey.
It is true that the number of VET students in Spain has increased in recent years, although the rate remains below the EU average. Therefore, there is a shortage of skilled professionals with qualifications in specific subjects such as vocational training and AI experts and cyber security experts. Less investment, but less interest in training. In fact, it is estimated that 92,500 jobs will remain until 2030 if the value of FP is not raised.
Significant Older people That doesn't help either. This, coupled with inadequate training and lack of motivation of the new generation, leaves them to other sectors of the economy that require less effort.
But the problem lies within the companies themselves They offer unattractive job offers. If working conditions are unattractive, some technicians specializing in subjects such as cyber security may end up migrating to other EU countries or changing sectors.
And, everything is magnified A growing need for space. Industry 4.0 demands professionals not only in Spain but all over the world, which is why they compete with each other to attract the existing qualified talent. This allows companies to expand their search field beyond their national or continental boundaries. In favor of more efficient and productive capabilities.
