3 Ways Bridging the Tech Skills Gap Empowers the Workforce
In today's rapidly evolving digital economy, tech skills are no longer optional — they're essential. As technology changes, the job market gets harder to predict, demanding an empowered workforce equipped to stay ahead of the game.
“For many organizations, technology is taking over more and more functions,” explains Jahari Soward, Leader of the Workforce Innovation Hub at our community partner City of Refuge. “This means roles are blending together, and companies are even hiring for jobs they don’t even know will exist yet.”
At Inspiredu, we are committed to bridging the skills gap for underserved communities, which includes helping them find meaningful employment. “There are over 76,000 unemployed Georgians who lack the digital skills they need to be a viable candidate for many of today’s available jobs,” shares CEO Richard Hicks. “We’re helping to address that in our workshops.”
From our experience, we see three key ways that bridging the digital skills gap benefits the workforce and the organizations they work for.
Better job opportunities
For individuals just entering the workforce or making career transitions, tech skills can open more doors. Trained candidates are more competitive in the job market and often qualify for higher-paying roles that offer financial security and career progression.
What’s more, it’s not just tech roles that need these skills. With the pace of advancement and AI implementation, industries across the board—such as healthcare, manufacturing, and education—increasingly rely on digital tools and data management. Candidates with relevant tech skills will benefit both their employers and their own career.
2. Career promotions
Tech skills are also key to career advancement. As digital transformation accelerates, employees with up-to-date digital literacy are more likely to move into leadership roles that can help their organization innovate and remain competitive.
“The need for upskilling and reskilling is critical right now,” Soward notes. “In fact, 96% of the workforce will need to be upskilled to remain relevant. That’s a significant number. And it’s not because they don’t have the skills; it’s because technology is changing so rapidly.”
As companies prioritize digital proficiency, employees who focus on tech skills will be equipped to fill critical roles and contribute to a successful work environment.
3.Self-employment opportunities
For aspiring entrepreneurs, a solid digital foundation can help them successfully establish independent careers or small businesses. Tech skills can aid in digital marketing, streamline operations, and help broaden their reach in innovative ways. Whether launching a freelance career or starting a business, this is a game changer.
A call to action for reskilling
Soward reiterates the need for reskilling: “There’s a recent article from McKinsey that talks about the impact of AI on urban communities,” she explains. “If individuals are not trained in these skills, if they don’t have access to these technologies, entire businesses may not be around in the near future, and individuals will be left behind.”
Bridging the tech skills gap isn’t just about preparing individuals for current jobs, it’s about equipping them for the future. By prioritizing digital literacy and reskilling, organizations and individuals can promote a tech-savvy workforce that’s ready to meet the challenges and opportunities of tomorrow.