Why We Must Act Now to Address the Digital Skills Gap

Why We Must Act Now to Address the Digital Skills Gap Over the past couple of decades technology has become wholly entwined with the completion of our day to day tasks. Many of us obsessively check our smartphones from dawn to dusk. I for one am guilty as charged. But there’s a problem that’s been brewing for a while; the lack of technical talent to fulfil our insatiable appetite for the latest next generation technology. According to code.org, there will be 1,000,000 more jobs than computer science students by 2020, attributing to a $500 billion dollar opportunity gap. The problem is not just across the pond, many British businesses have also come forward to state that young people do not have the right skills when they leave school. This is not just in technology, science and engineering but in all subject areas, including soft skills. The issue is one of diversity too. Over half the population is female, yet they are largely underrepresented in the evolution of technical products and innovation. This article attempts to highlight what is being done to address these issues, and how technology companies and recruiters can potentially work in partnership with educational establishments and the government to become part of the solution. Coding on the curriculum: Last September the UK government implemented a landmark and unprecedented change to the school curriculum. Abolishing the traditional Information Technology content in favour of digital skills in computer science and digital literacy. The then Education Secretary Michael Gove called these reforms as ‘essential’ to give pupils the best possible start to their future. This shift has required comprehensive retraining of all teaching staff in both primary and secondary schools across the country. The progression of the learning programme is intended to ensure that all students leaving education at 16 will be digitally literate, which is defined as: “Being able to use, express and develop their ideas through information and communication technology” In addition, children will also learn the latest developments in internet safety ensuring that they can protect themselves online. Many see this transition as part of the solution to ensure pupils are well equipped with life skills that can translate into careers. Access for everyone: This step change is excellent news for preparing the next generation of talent coming through, but what about the people who went to school twenty years ago? Evidently we can’t turn back the clock, but it’s never too late for those who are interested in pursuing a career in technical services, security, administration or and analysis. Whether starting out from scratch or just refining skills, many potential candidates are turning their hand at self-taught methods. In the past couple of years, online ‘up-skilling’ sites have gained traction whereby courses are written by professionals working in web design, development, application deployment, user experience etc. Courses like these offer the flexibility to continue to earn whilst you learn as they can be learned anywhere, anytime, allowing for the progression from a hobbyist to a candidate. One of the key advantages over traditional courses and learning mechanisms is that this informal learning is far more likely to be up to date with the latest in-demand technological developments. Thus, perhaps the first statement by code.org quoted in the introduction of the article is misleading. Maybe the fundamental ways people learn have to adapt to survive as well as the potential candidates willingness to take on these new skills. Changing perceptions: Public perceptions of technology companies often portray IT professionals as geeky, white, male and socially ill-prepared. This popular culture view of working in the industry needs to change in order to attract a more diverse mix of candidates. On average the gender split in the largest enterprise technology companies, including Google and Apple, is 70% male, 30% female, of which around 60% are white. How do you solve a problem like diversity and stereotypes? It will take a long time for these companies to address the systemic issues affecting their ability to attract disparate talent pools, it is one of education as well as equal opportunity. If everyone is educated to the same level of understanding then there is an equal playing field but until that point, things cannot evolve. We must employ individuals on merit, skills and culture fit; not gender. Furthermore, working in technology, contrary to popular belief, is not all about coding. Much emphasis has recently been put on the importance of everyone knowing a little bit of code, with high profile politicians and celebrities showing their hand to help the cause. However, like Engineering and Medicine, there are multiple industry facets that incorporate design techniques, maths, testing and business analytics. Long-term view: Three things ultimately need to change; raising awareness, increasing participation and opening up opportunities of careers in technology. Scope, generational and gender  diversity  also need to vastly improve in the tech sector and wider and is a combined effort both now and in the future. Although more behind the curve on the educational developments, the US is leading the global charge in terms of pairing technology enablers with appropriate government initiatives. The Clinton Global Initiative ‘Change the Ratio’ partnered up with a number of US tech start-up foundations to inspire 150,000 young women into careers in technology. To help build on this momentum, more partnerships like this need to be set-up across all facets of the recruitment cycle. That way, technology won’t just change the ratio, it will have the potential to change the world as we know it. I would like to conclude with an open question could your recruitment firm or company do more to help educate and empower people into a career in technology? The issue is not just one for teachers and politicians to address, it is one for us all to tackle. Author: Carl Jones is Founder and Managing Director of online IT skills testing company Technically Compatible. A bespoke software solution for recruiters looking to hire top technical talent. Follow Technically Compatible @TechCompatible.

Taking A Tiny Apartment From Drab To Chic

Taking A Tiny Apartment From Drab To Chic If youre like most, you couldnt help but notice how apartment rents just keep going up and up.  And if youre taking a new position in one of the big cities, it probably means youre going to have to settle for less space.  But that little apartment doesnt have to feel like a jail cell.  Here are some tips to turn a small apartment into a chic pad. Colors Many apartments are painted in pretty basic colors.  And I get it that you dont want to spend a ton on improving something that doesnt belong to you.  But with the landlords permission and a couple gallons of paint, you can make an amazing difference. And the notion that all white will make it look bigger is incomplete if not incorrect. When dealing with paint colors for a small space, you want to keep three things in mind, according to HGTV.  Use sharp colors, create a focal wall, and use color splash accents.  When you put together your colors, remember that dark colors generally make the item or area recede, while lighter, brighter colors pop and seem to come forward.  So, for example, you want to put the darker accents on the long walls of a long, narrow room. Furniture The last thing you want to do is put big, clunky furniture in a small space.   Perhaps because of the growing number of small apartments out there,  theres a huge selection of fun furniture with trim lines and a minimalist feel.  And if youre concerned about how to fit in that big screen you just cant do without, rest assured it will look great on smaller credenzas, or home entertainment units,  that not only look good but hide all the electronic clutter despite their size. The key to furniture selection is to think small, just like the space youre filling.  In a sprawling ranch house, you might need a pair of sofas and two chairs.  In the small apartment setting, a small love seat or perhaps just two chairs might be perfect.  Remember, this is definitely a case of less is more. Decor Once the painting  is done and the furniture is in, finish it off with decor items that fit both your personality and what youve created so far.  Theres a ton of inspiration on this on Pinterest, so grab a glass of wine or a cup of coffee and spend some time picking out your favorites. With a couple weekends of work and a little of your own creative genius, you can change that small space from something thats just spendy to something that perfectly trendy.  Perfect inspiration to set your sights on that next job opportunity! Images: Colors:  Mathias Appel  Main  daryl_mitchell    before and after      syrguide

5 Signs Your Boss Doesnt Respect You How To Change It - Algrim.co

5 Signs Your Boss Doesn’t Respect You How To Change It - Algrim.co Feeling disrespected by your supervisor or manager can be a frustrating feeling. You are going through your workday, trying to do the best you can, and you feel like it’s never enough. This frustration can make you feel like you are searching for an answer. Either contemplating leaving your job and moving onto a new position. Or contemplating reporting your manager to Human Resources and seeing if you can change the behaviors that are at play. Before you do that, let’s go through the five signs that your boss might not be respecting you and how you might be able to change it. Remember, all change begins with someone. And that two parties are always at play when you’re talking about respect and communication. Table of Contents You Aren’t Feeling Heard They Seem Not To Care They Don’t Choose You Over Others They Don’t Show You Respect In Front Of Others They Aren’t Thankful Of Your Work To Their Superior You Aren’t Feeling Heard If your boss listens to what you have to say but doesn’t actually hear it, that’s a sign that they don’t respect you. The issue is that they are listening to the words that you are saying. But don’t comprehend them and take no action against them. So you feel as though you are talking to a wall. How can you resolve this? The first thing you can do is to ask your manager a question. Ask him or her, “How can I better communicate in a way that produces action?” Or some other type of method where you inquire about better ways to communicate with one another. Remember, communication takes two. Learn how to communicate with them. They Seem Not To Care When it comes to sharing important news or sharing that you achieved results, they tend to ignore them. In group settings, they might avoid any recognition giving to you. If this is happening, they might not be showing you respect. How can you resolve this? Pull your manager to the side and ask them why they didn’t show your results off to the team. Ask them what you can do to better achieve results that they would feel honored to share with the team. They Don’t Choose You Over Others If a big project is taking place, you feel like you are the last person to be enlisted for work. You feel as though your manager doesn’t trust your judgment or abilities. If this is happening, your manager might be feeling a level of distrust over your work. How can you resolve this? Pull your manager to the side and ask them how you can do better. Simply going through the process of asking, “What could I be doing better?” gets the manager to revaluate how they’re treating you. They Don’t Show You Respect In Front Of Others During group settings are they giving you the cold shoulder? This can happen in a pretty subtle way. They tend to make more eye contact with others. Or are directing their body towards other people. This feeling like you are being isolated in front of others can happen. How can you resolve this? It’s best to pull your manager aside and ask them if they are happy with your performance. Remember, even if you feel like you are doing a great job. The process of asking is what’s going to resolve any feeling of disrespect. They Aren’t Thankful Of Your Work To Their Superior If your manager is taking credit for your work or lacking the appreciation showing to of your work to their superior, this can be frustrating. All managers have to report to someone else. If your work is contributing heavily to the success of the team. And your manager isn’t showing you the appreciation you deserve, then they might lack respect for you. How can you resolve this? The best thing you can do is to ask your manager if they are happy with your work. Go through the process of explaining that you worked quite hard to achieve the results you did and feel like you aren’t receiving the level of appreciation you deserve. For this type of situation, it’s okay to express your frustration. While in other scenarios, it’s best to start with an empathetic question.

California Psychological Inventory - VocationVillage

California Psychological Inventory - VocationVillage As described by the publisher, CPP, the California Psychological Inventoryâ„¢ (CPI) measures personality attributes commonly used to describe people, yielding results describing your approach to life and to work. Major areas included are: Dealing With Others; Self-Management; Motivations and Thinking Style; Personal Characteristics; and Work-Related Measures. Three additional scales included are Interpersonal Approach, Intrapersonal Values, and Level of Satisfaction. The CPI is helpful for understanding areas where you naturally excel and areas where you may have challenges that can be resolved through greater understanding and execution of a personal development plan.Because of the shorter length, most clients prefer to complete the CPI 260 ® rather than the longer CPI 434 ®. To see the type of information yielded by this personality assessment, click here to view sample reports of the California Psychological Inventoryâ„¢.If you would like to take the California Psychological Inventoryâ„¢ and receive a telephone consultation with me to learn how to make practical use of the results, please email me.I look forward to assisting you!Dr. Janet Scarborough Civitelli

Preparing for the Legalization of Marijuana The Best Tips for HR Professionals CareerMetis.com

Preparing for the Legalization of Marijuana The Best Tips for HR Professionals â€" CareerMetis.com There has been a broiling contest between a ubiquitous idea of marijuana having countless health benefits and the lack of scientific data to back up the same. That has been the scenario for quite long now. However, on August 1, 2017, people sensed the first speck of the possibility of legalization of marijuana by the government.Senator Cory Booker introduced The Marijuana Justice Act on August 1, 2017, which demanded the nationwide legalization of marijuana. Again, Canada legalized marijuana on 17 October 2018, and with that, it became the second country to allow recreational usage of marijuana. Hence, the possibility doesn’t appear that far-fetched anymore, now does it?With new laws come new challenges that demand people from various walks of life to take steps to suit the changes. One such group of individuals are Heath Resource (HR) professionals who people would be looking up to trying to clear queries arising from marijuana legalization in a workplace.We write this article wit h the intention to provide the best tips for HR professionals in connection to this shifting scenario. But first, let’s run our eyes quickly through the main challenges the HR professionals are expected to face.Maintaining Safety at WorkIt doesn’t matter how many health benefits cannabis is proven to have, you can’t deny that it’s an intoxicant. Now that doesn’t exactly help the cause of safety for employees in industries like construction, public transit, and many more. Therefore policies prohibiting reckless consumption of marijuana need to be put in place.Employer’s Responsibility towards EmployeesThe Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 made it necessary for employers to accommodate their employees on grounds such as physical and mental disabilities. With the legalization of marijuana, there would be higher odds of abuse of the same law. One can also expect a surge in the number of such accommodation requests.Medical Coverage of CannabisIn cases where employ ers are required to reimburse the medical expenses and for that matter medicinal marijuana expenses of an injured employee, it would be tough to distinguish employees who qualify for it from them who don’t. There is also a potential for increased accusations of employer’s neglect.Therefore, with the increasing marijuana user demand, HR professionals should be ready to tackle inquiries concerning cannabis coverage. Canadian insurance companies can help you form a picture of the probable outcome.Definition of ImpairmentOnce marijuana becomes legal, companies may no longer see prescribed and recorded usage of marijuana by an employee on the job as an impairment. While it may seem justified to hold recreational marijuana on the same accord as that of alcohol and other such intoxicants, there isn’t yet clarity on how to define impairment regarding marijuana in the workplace.The new definition of impairment will help employers and employees know what is acceptable and what can lead to termination. We recommended that HR professionals be ready to define impairment for the same.Drug TestsHealth resource departments may often require to examine the levels of impairment in a workplace for employers to ensure employees’ safety. Therefore introducing drug test policies is both a necessity and difficulty.Some may deem drug tests at a workplace as an invasion of privacy which is against an employee’s rights â€" another reason to keep a keen eye on what the HR professionals have got to say.What Can Be Done?Ever since Canada legalized marijuana, data has shown a steep upward trend in the number of medicinal marijuana users. The situation wouldn’t be very different anywhere else. This calls for the HR department to be ready to adapt to the new state of affairs. Below are a few steps that you can adopt as an HR professional to keep marijuana at a workplace in check.Clearing DoubtsWe recommend that you don’t put down any queries regarding medical marijuana use by t he employees. Instead, ask him or her to describe any accommodations needed. You also need to respect the employees’ right to privacy on matters concerning medical issues.You, however, have the right to know about any medication an employee has been taking that might affect the employee’s efficiency at work.No Marijuana during Office HoursIt doesn’t matter if marijuana gets legalized, all employers need to impose stringent rules on their employees to make them come to their job sober. This wouldn’t be too tough to enforce on office employees.But, for employees who spend a more significant part of if not all their hours in the field (like security guards, delivery drivers, and so on) it could be a tough job to monitor them. Therefore, you need to be able to trust them.Hold Discussions on AbuseEven though marijuana is not as addictive as hard drugs, it can cause considerable addiction problems in some cases. As a result, it can negatively impact the performance of the person c oncerned at his work. On the brighter side, legalization of marijuana may pave the way for honest conversations about addiction.It is expected of an employer and is in his best interest to assist any employee who is having troubles with a drug habit. Moreover, a higher number of workers are expected to come clean about their addictions without fear of legal prosecution.Medical Use of MarijuanaEmployers should insist employees to cautiously use medical marijuana and avoid marijuana plant flowers in cases where they are dependent on it to be able to tolerate pain and function well. Some state laws follow a zero tolerance policy whereas others accommodate for medical marijuana use.It’s up to an employee and an employer to responsibly consume marijuana and accommodate the employee’s ethical requirements respectively.Marijuana during lunch and breaksEmployers would want to respect their employees’ privacy during breaks. But an employer also has to ensure the employees’ prompt ret urn from breaks. Employers can and must demand from the employees to give their best at work.Similarly, the employees are expected not to underestimate their job which may happen when under the effect of psychoactive agents.Medical Marijuana ReimbursementEmployers should be well versed in the benefits rendered by medical marijuana coverage. HR professionals should work together with insurance companies to reassess the restrictions that currently govern marijuana usage.Drug testingMedical marijuana will only keep gaining scientific and legal base. Additionally, recreational use of marijuana is not a distant possibility anymore. As a result, it has become more critical for employers to keep revising drug testing policies. Until a clear definition of impairment is available, we recommend you to keep yourselves updated on the latest technology for drug testing.CONCLUSIONEmployers must consider medical and recreational marijuana as two different streams. This will help employers determin e when to accommodate marijuana use for medical purposes. The above steps will help lessen confusion and increase transparency regarding marijuana regulation.

5 Advantages Job Seekers Have with Social Media - CareerEnlightenment.com

3. CommentingOne of the best ways to show your expertise and stand out from the crowd is to have something to say. Use commenting to share your opinion.Places to comment are in LinkedIn groups, blogs, and Twitter. Share links, express views and get seen as someone associated with your target industry.4. SharingSocial bookmarking allows you to answer that question of, What Motivates You? by telling people what sites you like, what articles you read or what bloggers you follow. Use services like Digg, StumbleUpon and Delicious to rank and share your online arsenal.5. InformationThe first part of any branding strategy is knowing what keeps your target audience up at night. Job seekers can use online tools to find out what their target companies are struggling with, and then craft messages that appeal to them.Follow the VPs and Hiring managers at your target companies on Twitter. Listen to whats on their minds.Find them on LinkedIn, and join their groups to read their posts. Can you add value?Rosenberg points out that the common thread here is that social media allows us to find similarities with other people. This in turn helps us to form more meaningful relationships.You can read Phil RosenBergs full article here: http://reCareered.blogspot.com.As always, I welcome your comments and feedback.

Resume Writing - How to Write a Great Resume

Resume Writing - How to Write a Great ResumeIf you want to get a job, make sure that you are using the right kind of words to describe yourself. Your resume will help potential employers decide if you have what it takes to be hired as a professional.The best words to describe yourself are your personal qualities. This means that you should include your education, work experiences, hobbies and any other relevant information that you think may show that you can perform the duties that will be required of you. You can even include any awards or recognitions that you may have won during your career.In addition to describing your personal qualities, the next key to a good resume is your skills. What do you actually do? You should list down your skills and any qualifications that you have acquired since your high school days. For example, if you studied business at school, then you should list down your degrees or any qualifications that you have acquired for business such as a Bachelor of Business Administration or Masters in Business Administration.Finally, when you are filling out your resume, be sure to write down your job description. This should include a description of the position that you are applying for and the tasks that you expect to perform. You should also include any educational background you have. There are very few professions where people cannot get a degree.It is not wise to leave out any details about the various job vacancies that you have applied for. A good resume is just as important as your application itself. Your employer will probably ask you to submit more than one application so include them all.Employers want to know that you can provide all the details about your individual experience. Make sure that you include everything that they need to know, including your salary, whether you are planning to start immediately or if you would like to take a break to gain experience before moving on to a higher paying job.Another way to make sure that you have a good resume is to read over some of the job listings. Make sure that you are familiar with the type of work that is required of you before submitting your resume. Do not just send it in without looking through the companies first to make sure that you are applying for the position that you actually want.Finally, when you are getting a great job, remember that it takes hard work and dedication to reach that level. Take time to explore your options and don't let the first position that you apply for stand between you and the job that you deserve.