^{The information and communications technology (ICT) sector is Canada’s fastest growing sector. We are also seeing that roles and sectors that did not previously utilize high levels of ICT or digital skills now are, due to the accelerated digitization of organizations during the pandemic. In part one of this symposium, we will give an overview of jobs in the ICT sector, as well as digital skills and how they are needed in roles outside of the ICT sector. We will draw from our forthcoming work from our Bridging the Technology Skills Gap project funded by the Ontario Research Fund: Research Excellence (ORF-RE), Digital Skills and the Skills Gap: Perspectives, Skills Frameworks and Definitions. We will highlight how the need for digital skills has changed as a result of the pandemic, the digital skills gap, and the lack of diversity within ICT roles. In part two of this symposium, we present a proposed framework to digital skills, built from a literature review and consultations with experts working closely on the digitization of federal government services. We will also highlight several Diversity Institute initiatives aimed at addressing the lack of diversity within ICT roles and the digital skills gap, such as the 50-30 Challenge, The Advanced Digital and Professional Training (ADaPT) Program, and Women in Communications and Technology (WCT)’s Pathways to ICT and Digital Roles for Women project. Further, we will discuss strategies to close the digital skills gap on an individual level, and recommendations targeted as organizations for advancing diversity in ICT roles, including the use of the Diversity Assessment Tool (DAT). Our discussion of strategies for advancing diversity and inclusion will also come from our Bridging the Technology Skills Gap project. Overall, our symposium will address why digital skills are the way forward, and how to navigate this journey in the most effective and inclusive way.}

Presenter:

Wendy Cukier
Magdalena Sabat

Coordinated by the Technology & Innovation Management division