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The State of Tech Talent Acquisition in 2024: Insights & Strategies Revealed

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When we first introduced “The State of Tech Talent Acquisition” in 2023, our research shed light on the persistent hurdles around sourcing talent and fostering diversity, revealing shortcomings in the traditional tech talent pipeline.

Fast forward to today, and companies are still facing hiring difficulties, amplified by the emergence of artificial intelligence. Who could’ve anticipated that ChatGPT would become the fastest-growing consumer app in history, reaching 100 million weekly users and achieving a 90% saturation rate at Fortune 500 companies within its inaugural year? 

In this year’s edition of “The State of Tech Talent,” we explore the transformative impact of on-demand, generative AI on the global workforce. Drawing insights from a comprehensive survey of over 1,000 HR professionals worldwide, this research offers invaluable perspectives on talent acquisition and pipeline development amidst ever-shifting ground.

Survey says, the future of work is here…and so much more:

1. There’s a Gold Rush for AI Skills.

The demand for cutting-edge tech skills reaches new heights with the meteoric rise of AI last year. We’ve found 97% of surveyed companies across the globe are incorporating AI into their operations or products, and 95% of managers are adding “AI skills” into the mix of job requirements for non-technical roles. Amid the soaring demand, 69% of HR leaders are grappling with the scarcity of AI-proficient talent, which surpasses shortages observed in other coveted skills such as data analytics, data science, software engineering, or UX design.

2. The Price of Tech Talent is Rising.

Given the limited pool of AI-skilled candidates, companies are shelling out more to secure top tech talent; 91% of HR leaders report that qualified applicants are demanding higher salaries, and 66% of companies are willing to pay it. Particularly in Europe and Asia, or within AI-heavy organizations, job seekers are poised to secure above-average paychecks. Over half of companies are investing at least $10,000 in AI recruitment, and the average North American firm is spending $23,247 to fill these roles.

3. Navigating the Tech Talent Maze Is Tricky, But Mission-Critical.

The vast majority of HR leaders (93%) say that sought-after job description skills are evolving at breakneck speed, with 29% admitting they lack full comprehension of the roles they’re recruiting for. Post-onboarding, the hurdles persist, with almost all HR leaders (97%) witnessing the need for different skill sets in new hires, underscoring the imperative of robust upskilling programs.

4. Charting a New Course Requires Alternative Approaches.

Despite the challenges, companies are forging innovative paths to bridge the AI talent gap. Leaders around the world are forming partnerships with educators to cultivate new talent pipelines. They’re investing in upskilling their current employees, including executives and those in traditionally non-technical roles. They’re dropping degree requirements for open roles, increasing hiring budgets, and bolstering HR teams. With a holistic approach, companies are putting themselves in a better position to meet their tech hiring needs head-on in 2024.

5. Transformation Starts With Training.

AI has arrived on the international stage in a big, bold way, and organizations around the world are trying to make the best of this rapidly emerging tech.

In this age of accelerated business transformation, the key to filling your roster with tech talent lies in taking a skills-first approach. By democratizing access to emerging AI tools and empowering every employee with the know-how to use them, you’ll drive greater innovation and efficiency — along with securing the tech talent necessary to future-proof your organization.

We invite you to dive deeper into the insights of the “State of Tech Talent 2024” report. 

Download it here. 

Since 2011, General Assembly has upskilled, reskilled, and trained over 100,000 learners worldwide to help tackle the ongoing supply and demand challenges within the tech sector. 

Take the first step toward unlocking your organization’s full potential. Get in touch with our team to learn more about the tech training and talent solutions we can provide to help your business.

Applied Generative AI Workshop: Skills for Real-World Business Applications

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Generative artificial intelligence dominated the headlines in 2023, driving market growth and reshaping workplace dynamics. As momentum continues across all sectors, the market’s predicted to grow 46% and reach $22.12 billion by 2025. 

Whether you’re brainstorming marketing ideas, coding automation scripts, or generating data reports, AI’s emerging set of foundational tech skills are shaking up notions of what’s possible in the workplace. 

For tech workers, AI topics such as natural language processing, machine learning, Python programming, data handling, and ethics have all become essential currencies, opening up exciting opportunities to increase value, advance, and contribute meaningfully. Yet, the user-friendly nature of large language models is pulling even non-technical employees like marketers and product managers into the fray as well.

For leaders, the message is clear. Investing in ongoing education empowers employees to tackle everyday tasks with ease, while sharpening their skills to stay ahead of the curve. Collaborative training programs break down silos between departments, fostering a culture of innovation and collective advancement.

General Assembly’s new Applied Generative AI Workshop offers a comprehensive solution that equips both technical and non-technical employees with essential skills in just 16 hours. Through a hands-on AI prompt writing workshop, AI ethics training, and bias mitigation techniques, your team develops a well-rounded, practical understanding of generative AI.

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Applied AI for Business Consultants: Mastering AI Solutions for Today’s Challenges

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Consulting — by its very nature — disrupts. With a penchant for status quo shaking and innovative thinking, consultants are the architects of strategic initiative and organizational transformation for their clients. Therefore, it begs the question: why shouldn’t you spearhead the adoption of artificial intelligence powered solutions?

The time is now, with the “fourth industrial revolution” well underway. AI for business is the topic of discussion in every boardroom as leaders face mounting pressure to identify impactful use cases that will markedly improve customer service, software engineering, and overall business operations. Nearly half of organizations worldwide have already started embedding artificial intelligence into their products and workflows. 

To blend into this landscape, there’s no need to relinquish your role to a chatbot or switch careers entirely. Practically speaking, all you need is a path to upskill your entire firm with the latest AI consulting skills. General Assembly’s Applied AI for Business Consultants workshop is tailored to help you make this transition seamlessly.

Let’s unpack what that means for you and those you serve.

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AI for Leaders: GA’s Essential Workshop for Informed AI Decision Making

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Estimated reading time: 5 minutes

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The year is 2025: decisions are made with the precision of a surgeon’s scalpel, powered by algorithms that sift through mountains of data in a moment’s time. 

After a seismic shift in artificial intelligence rocked the business world in 2023 with the release of free and accessible generative AI platforms, the chasm between those equipped to lead — and those left behind — widens. Whether AI is an innovation or a disruption for your business depends upon your policies, training programs, and talent acquisition strategies. 

Like it or not, AI is reshaping work — boosting productivity, profitability, and competitive edge. No industry or business is immune to the relentless drumbeat of technology. Gone are the days of simply hiring a handful of IT experts. Now, it’s about elevating every employee to harness the benefits and power of this transformative tech.

While it may sound like a tall order, there’s no time like the present to align your leadership team, starting with AI fluency training, skill development, and strategic planning to embrace an AI-driven business model. 

With General Assembly’s AI for Leaders Workshop, there’s a clear path forward. 

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Data Skills: What Professional Service Consultants Need To Know

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As a strategic consultant, you know your clients are eager to talk data. From mining to analysis to modeling, they’re keen for you to extract meaningful insights and use them to shape forward-thinking strategies that address their most pressing challenges.

Maintaining leading-edge data skills is a top business imperative for all professional service firms — but how do you make sure you — and every new employee that joins your ranks — are sharpening data competencies to the highest standard? 

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Data Skills 2024: What Financial Firms Need To Know

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Today, data is the key to decision-making, modernization, and competitive customer experiences. But without the right people to make sense of it all, this data can become increasingly fragmented and inaccessible — while valuable opportunities slip into the rearview mirror.

“Data is only an asset when you have the right people in place who know how to use the data and democratize it across the business. That’s where we see opportunity meet impact.” 
– Angela Brennan, Global Lead Solutions Architect at General Assembly 

But where will you find the right data-savvy talent? In some cases, the answer is: within your own organization. As AI-driven tech makes roles like recordkeepers, data entry clerks, underwriters, and auditors redundant, upskilling and reskilling talent to data-adjacent roles is one powerful strategy for upleveling your capabilities, while preserving your company’s internal wellspring of knowledge and morale. 

That said, not every job opening can be filled internally. As new data roles emerge, you’ll need dependable pipelines for net-new talent that meets the evolving skill sets — and use case requirements — of the data tasks at hand.

To make these pivots quickly and effectively, you’ll need a clearer understanding of data’s growing role in the finance sector and the solutions that exist. 

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Software Engineering Skills 2024: What Financial Firms Need to Know

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If you’re a financial institution short of a few good software engineers, you’re not alone. 

Fueled by a pressing need for constant innovation, compliance adherence, and flexibility, over 90% of banks and insurers are in the midst of migrating their legacy systems to the cloud — up from 37% just three years ago.

At the same time, the scarcity of software engineering talent is deepening. Financial firms aren’t just competing with other organizations within the industry, but with virtually every industry — and not just here in the U.S., but the world over. 

“You’re always going to be playing catch-up to some degree — and the challenge will always be: How do we evolve our skills, capabilities, and competencies to keep pace?” 
– Ciaran Moloney, VP of Solutions at General Assembly  

So the question is: How do you fill open software engineer roles, future-proof their skills, and maintain a steady stream of talent to help your financial institution keep pace with its modernization goals?

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GA Partner Spotlight: An Interview with Cloudfloat’s Head of Engineering, Richard Weissel

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Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

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In the buzzing tech ecosystem of Sydney’s fintech scene, Cloudfloat stands out as a leader of innovation and empowerment for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Founded in late 2020, Cloudfloat aims to revolutionize cash flow management for Australian businesses, offering hassle-free solutions that alleviate cash flow challenges.

In this exclusive interview, we dive into the heart of Cloudfloat’s engineering team with Richard Weissel, Head of Engineering. As a key architect behind Cloudfloat’s technological advancements, Richard sheds light on the driving force behind the company’s mission and also offers insights into Cloudfloat’s partnership with General Assembly. He includes how GA graduates have infused the organization with fresh perspectives and the skills needed to lift Cloudfloat toward greater heights of success.

Continue reading for a glimpse into Cloudfloat’s journey…

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Celebrating Black History Month: 4 New AI Tools by Black Creators

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Estimated reading time: 8 minutes

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In Honor of Black History Month

Black History Month serves as a reminder to honor individual experiences and celebrate collective accomplishments. Beyond bridging wage gaps, fostering Black representation in tech is about creating inclusive experiences that empower marginalized communities. In the spirit of celebration, we shine the GA spotlight on four new AI tools by Black creators, embodying progress, equity, and empowerment in technology.

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What is a JavaScript framework?

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A JavaScript framework is a collection of JavaScript code libraries that provide a web developer with pre-written code for routine programming tasks. Frameworks are structures with a particular context and help you create web applications within that context. JavaScript is a powerful coding language used in both frontend and backend development.

It is completely possible to build strong web applications without JavaScript frameworks, but frameworks provide a template that handles common programming patterns. Each time you have to build an application, you don’t need to write code for every single feature from scratch. Instead, you can build upon an existing feature set. 

All JavaScript frameworks, like most other frameworks, provide some rules and guidelines. Using these rules and guidelines, any developer can make complex applications faster and more efficiently than if they decided to build from scratch. The rules and guidelines help shape and organize your website or web application too!

For example, think about a potter’s wheel where you can build pots. The potter’s wheel is your framework; it has certain consistencies that you have to work with. The wheel rotates, and you can use that rotation to build pots of different shapes and sizes.

You can build pots, plates, cups, bowls, or even cylindrical sculptures. But you can’t build a house with it; you need to find a different framework for that. 

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