Tech Council of Delaware

⏩The Tech Council of Delaware is making progress on its core focus area of Professional Network Development which states: We connect Delaware’s tech career seekers with employers and recruiters to expand their professional networks and offer opportunities for relationship building. We lead and collaborate on technology initiatives that foster career development and advancement for technologists and aspiring tech professionals. 🤝On October 30th, the Council’s Director of Education, Vishakha Jha, and LeAndre Yarrell, co-facilitated the Tech Professionals Network committee meeting to bring the Council’s current and aspiring tech professionals together for a virtual ‘Meet & Greet’. Members were invited to the annual Thanks-A-Brunch celebration, shared their interests, made new connections, learned how to access tech jobs in the online Career Center, and heard from one of the Council’s newest corporate members, MySherpa® - Business Technology Guides. We appreciate the time Rachel Perkowski took to attend the committee meeting and share information about MySherpa’s career opportunities and how the company helps clients to reach peak performance by learning how each business uses computerized technology and delivering customized support. 🪑While most tech councils and industry associations focus primarily on the interests and needs of major corporations, our Council knows that Delaware’s tech workforce is an important part of what makes the state’s tech ecosystem special. By making a seat at the #tech table for everyone, we demonstrate through our actions that we believe Delaware’s tech community is better and more effective when we bring people together! So, whether you are a tech company, tech leader, tech professional, tech career seeker, tech workforce provider, community organization, or ecosystem builder – there is a place for you in the Tech Council of Delaware! Join the Council today…your seat is waiting! 🔗See Comments for the link to join! #tech #techecosystem #techcommittee #inclusion #Delaware

🌐 Empowering Delaware’s Future through Digital Literacy 🌐 The Tech Council of Delaware is advancing digital literacy, with a focus on equity, for Delawareans across the state.   💡 A 2023 Gallup and Amazon study, utilizing data from Lightcast—a strategic partner of the Council—found the annual global value of digital skills to be an astounding $18.5 trillion dollars 📈, representing 12% of global GDP! This highlights the transformative power of digital skills on economies and the essential role they play in our workplaces and communities. See Comments section to access the report. 💻 Digital skills are essential to participating in today’s tech-driven economy, and the Council remains committed to building opportunities for youth and adults so they can thrive in a digitally connected world. Through initiatives like the Yes, We Tech! summer internship program, the Council has provided Delaware high school students with training in essential tools such as the Microsoft Office Suite, digital citizenship, and a digital proficiency certification. These foundational skills set young people on a path to career success and empower them to participate in a variety of industries! 📚 Our efforts go beyond youth programs. On October 25th, the Council’s Director of Education, Vishakha Jha, led an interactive and engaging digital skills course titled Improving Digital Skills for Career Impact for the Municipal Clerks Institute which is part of the Biden School of Public Policy & Administration, University of Delaware's Institute for Public Administration. This session is one of many ways we’re working to expand digital literacy for incumbent workers. Research from the National Skills Coalition shows that 92% of today’s jobs require digital skills—reinforcing that almost Every Job is a Tech Job! 🤝 Moreover, the Council looks forward to collaborating with member organization Delaware Department of Technology and Information’s Broadband Office to advance digital equity through the State’s Digital Equity Plan. Together, we are thrilled to create long-term, sustainable solutions to build a digitally inclusive Delaware. ✨ Join us in supporting digital equity for all! Let’s work together toward a future where every Delawarean can access and thrive in the digital economy.   #DigitalEquity #DigitalInclusion #DigitalLiteracy #Tech #Delaware

🎉 The Tech Council of Delaware was excited to be part of Delaware’s first-ever Minority Enterprise Development (MED) Week on October 17th at the University of Delaware! We were honored to contribute to the theme: "Empowering Minority Businesses Through Workforce & Innovation." Council Executive Director, Zakiyyah Ali, served as a panelist on The Role of AI in Workforce Development. 💡 The panel, which included Council members Zip Code Wilmington, Tech Impact and the Delaware Department of Technology and Information, was facilitated by Council strategic partner, Delaware Black Chamber of Commerce.    Zakiyyah highlighted the need for businesses to be forward-thinking in preparing their workforces for the future by building internal capacity to upskill and reskill employees. Zakiyyah emphasized that, by partnering with organizations like the Tech Council of Delaware, businesses can co-develop scalable workforce solutions to thrive in an AI-driven economy. 🤖💼   She also highlighted the importance of flexible, well-funded AI training programs focused on skills, credentials, practical experience, and job placement, while ensuring AI is implemented ethically and inclusively. Addressing digital equity through skill development, device access, and broadband availability is essential for equitable job distribution. 🌍💻📚   Meanwhile, Council Director of Education, Vishakha Jha, connected with Delaware’s vibrant business community through an exhibitor booth, sharing resources to support minority-owned businesses—the backbone of the American economy! 💪🏽🛠️   A huge thank you to the Delaware Small Business Development Center , Delaware Black Chamber of Commerce, University of Delaware and the Delaware Office of Supplier Diversity for organizing an impactful MED Week event. 👏🏽🤝 Want to learn more about the future of work and AI's role in shaping it? Check out these helpful resources in the comments below! #MEDWeek #WorkforceDevelopment #AI #Innovation #Delaware #SmallBusiness

🔐 October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month! 🔐 The Tech Council of Delaware recognizes the critical importance of cybersecurity and the need to develop both the current and future workforce. According to CyberSeek—a tool created by CompTIA, Lightcast, and National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)’s National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education (NICE)—from May 2023 through April 2024, it took 21% longer to fill cybersecurity roles compared to other IT positions, with 400,000+ openings requiring cybersecurity skills. This demand spans dedicated roles in cybersecurity, infrastructure, data, and software development. 🛠️ Interested in building your skills in this field? Check out the Connect To Tech tool, which features cybersecurity programs offered by the Council’s education and workforce provider members! Linked in Comments! 💻 Take your cybersecurity career to the next level with Wilmington University NSA-recognized Cybersecurity programs, offering hands-on learning, industry certifications, and flexible study options. Join the #WilmuCyberWildcats and apply today. Application in comments! 📱 Looking to introduce cybersecurity to kids? Kai Coders has rolled out weekly tips for students (in comments below). Also, they're developing a Kids Online Safety app that addresses social engineering, in-game purchases, and cyberbullying. Check out this app preview in the link below! 💼 Did you know? The First State Tech Partnership, led by the Council, has developed an ‘earn and learn’ Certified Cybersecurity Professionals Program to equip individuals with the skills and industry recognized credentials needed to thrive in this growing field. Employers looking to hire and train career seekers via this customizable program, connect with us today to learn more! 🔗 Find additional resources on cybersecurity careers in the link below!   #Cybersecurity #CybersecurityMonth #CybersecurityAwareness #CybersecurityWorkforce

On October 15th, the Tech Council of Delaware’s Executive Director, Zakiyyah Ali, participated in the Principal for a Day program at Wilmington's Cab Calloway School of the Arts! 🎓✨ Led by the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce workforce development affiliate, The Partnership, Inc., this initiative connects business leaders with local schools to bridge the gap between education and industry.   Zakiyyah took on several roles throughout the day from monitoring the middle school breakfast to walking the halls and observing spirit week festivities. Her biggest highlight was talking with the seventh-grade business technology class. She was impressed by the young students’ mastery of practical tech skills like editing PDFs, using Google Suite, and creating presentations with Prezi and PowerPoint.   The Council also has another special connection with Cab Calloway through the Yes, We Tech! summer internship program. In 2024, Cab Calloway student Israyel Harris graduated from Yes, We Tech! after completing classroom training and work-based learning at Code Differently. During the internship, Israyel created a video showcasing her peers' experiences and helped to host the 2024 Tech Ecosystem Conference! Without question, there is strong alignment between the arts and technology.   Workforce Development is a Team Sport! It takes all of us to develop Delaware’s future workforce! Many thanks to the Chamber and the Cab Calloway leadership team for inviting the Council to participate in Principal for a Day.   Read more about this wonderful opportunity in the comments below! #TechIndustry #PrincipalForADay #FutureTalent #TechEducation

🚨 Subscribe to Tech IT Out Newsletter! 🚨 Tech IT Out brings you the latest updates on Delaware’s tech community—from Board of Directors recruitment and exciting partnerships to workforce initiatives and policy news. With sections covering industry trends, member highlights, and training opportunities, Tech IT Out is your go-to source for staying informed and connected. Want to receive the latest issue and all future updates? Subscribe today and stay plugged into Delaware’s thriving tech scene! 🔗✨ https://lnkd.in/ePQVPp9s #TechNews #TechItOut #WorkforceDevelopment #TechPolicy #DETechCommunity

🌐 Celebrating Digital Inclusion Week! 🌐   💻The Tech Council of Delaware celebrates digital inclusion week October 7-11, 2024, with recognition of the importance of digital inclusion for all Delawareans, particularly those from disadvantaged communities.   👩🏽💻While more work remains to ensure full digital inclusion related to digital skills proficiency, device acquisition and broadband access, we are pleased to lead efforts that support both youth and adults. The Council’s Yes, We Tech! summer internship program for Delaware high school students features a curriculum covering the Microsoft Office Suite and a digital proficiency certification. Interns complete courses such as technology basics, digital citizenship, information management, content creation, and safety and security, all of which are essential to career success in today's tech-driven economy.   📲On October 25th, the Council’s Director of Education, Vishakha Jha, is facilitating a course titled Improving Digital Skills for Career Impact for the Municipal Clerks Institute, part of the University of Delaware’s Institute for Public Administration. Learners complete a computer literacy and internet knowledge assessment, practice skill-building using a virtual whiteboard, and discuss research from the National Skills Coalition (NSC) which states that 92% of jobs now require digital skills!   📝The theme, ‘Stronger Together: Mobilizing Towards Sustainability’ by the National Skills Coalition, highlights the vital role of collaboration in advancing digital equity. It reiterates the importance of building a connected ecosystem of digital inclusion initiatives, so we can ensure long-term solutions that empower all communities. Accordingly, the Council is collaborating with the Delaware Department of Technology and Information’s Broadband Office to lead and support Digital Equity initiatives as part of the State’s Digital Equity Plan.   To learn more, check out insightful reports in the comments section!   #digitalinclusionweek #digitalskills #digitalequity #digitalliteracy

The Tech Council of Delaware is excited to announce an open call for Board of Directors members as we embark on the journey to becoming a standalone nonprofit entity! If you're passionate about driving innovation, fostering growth in our tech ecosystem, and shaping the future of technology in Delaware, we want to hear from you. 🌐💡   Interested and qualified candidates are invited to complete the Board of Directors Interest Form by Friday, October 11, 2024. 👉 Application info in comments!   For any questions, feel free to reach out to us at info@techcouncilofdelaware.org.   Let’s build the future of tech together! 💻🔗 #TechLeadership #DelawareInnovation #BoardOfDirectors #TechCommunity #Tech

📊 CompTIA’s Tech Jobs Report, September 2024: What’s Trending in Tech Employment 📊 As a strategic partner of the Tech Council of Delaware, CompTIA continues to add tremendous value to the tech community by producing informative reports on the #tech industry and the tech #labormarket. CompTIA’s latest Tech Jobs Report gives a clear snapshot of national IT employment trends at the occupation and industry levels. Released alongside the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ monthly labor market update, this analysis covers everything from employer hiring activity by state and metro area to unemployment rates and demand for emerging tech skills. Key highlights include: 🚀 Flat growth: Tech employment held steady in August, with 28K fewer tech roles and a 3.4% unemployment rate (still below the national average). 💼 Hiring on the rise: Over 500,000 active job postings, with software developers, engineers, data scientists, and IT support roles in high demand. 🎯 Skills-based hiring: 45% of tech jobs did not require a four-year degree, signaling more inclusive hiring practices. 📍 Top regions: Washington D.C., New York, Dallas, Chicago, Atlanta, and Los Angeles lead the way in tech job demand among metros, with California, Texas, Virginia, New York, and Florida leading in state-level demand. 🔗 Check out the full report for more insights: https://lnkd.in/eqFtfYF #TechJobs #CompTIA #TechTrends #JobsReport #TechCareers

🚀 McKinsey & Company's latest Technology Trends Outlook highlights the real-world impact of emerging technologies. From the rise of generative AI (and the talent demand it drives) to advancements in cybersecurity and quantum computing, this report offers insights that could resonate with everyone—not just tech experts. It dives into 15 emerging tech trends, research data on tech jobs and technology adoption, as well as practical applications, challenges, and thought-provoking questions that business leaders and tech professionals may want to consider.  📊 Are you ready to explore the future of tech? Check out the full report here: https://lnkd.in/d_ufV-fy  #TechTrends2024 #McKinseyInsights #Research #TechInnovation