Our digital landscape is on the rise but don’t forget about the demand for skilled professionals in the State, Local and Education (SLED) sector as well! Specifically, within the education sector like colleges and universities searching to bolster their IT departments, top-tier talent is needed to navigate the complexities of modern technology integration. This trend not only presents exciting career opportunities for tech enthusiasts but also signifies a shift in the way educational institutions approach digital transformation.
The ‘Why’ Behind SLED Hiring in Education
A recent opinion piece on Gov Tech sheds light on the pressing need for tech talent in higher education. “In 2023, with economic uncertainty in the air along with corporate layoffs, some college recruiters are hoping to lure technology workers back to higher education jobs.” Highlighting this can start a new mission to attract IT employees to a higher calling. For some, this can be a breath of fresh air and purpose. And for others pursuing tech as a career, this can be a great option for technology amidst big tech layoffs and mounting competition.
The more universities and colleges actively seek out skilled professionals to drive innovation, the better they can address the unique technological challenges faced by educational institutions. As these organizations strive to stay ahead of the curve there’s a growing emphasis on recruiting individuals with a keen understanding of emerging technologies and their potential applications in an academic setting.
Skills-based Hiring
The recruitment landscape in the SLED sector goes beyond traditional job postings and resumes. Deloitte emphasizes the importance of skills-based hiring in government workforce planning, shedding light on the shift towards a more holistic approach to talent acquisition. Instead of solely focusing on qualifications and credentials, organizations are increasingly prioritizing candidates’ skill sets and adaptability. This approach not only ensures a more agile and versatile workforce but also opens doors for individuals from diverse backgrounds and career trajectories to contribute meaningfully to the public sector.
Enhance SLED Hiring in Education with Professional Support
In addition to addressing common concerns faced by SLED departments in colleges and universities, there are numerous benefits to building a tech workforce with the assistance of a tech staffing firm, such as:
- Leveraging an agency’s distinct method to identify skilled talent through competency-focused recruitment, expanding the talent pool
- Tapping into a vast network of tech professionals via well-connected technical recruiters who understand the market, candidates, and technology landscape
- Improving access to a wide range of candidates through diverse recruitment strategies that align with the requirements of most supplier diversity programs, including being minority-owned, managed, and operated
- Embracing a flexible staffing approach that offers project-based, long-term contract, and permanent direct hiring options, allowing government IT departments to adjust hiring levels and manage budgets efficiently.
Planning for Future IT Talent in SLED Hiring
From Teachers to Jobs in EdTech
One avenue that has gained traction in recent years is the transition from traditional teaching roles to positions within the burgeoning field of educational technology (Edtech). According to a 2022 National Education Association Poll, more than half of teachers said they plan to leave the profession sooner rather than later. These career shifts create an expansion in the talent pool to increase SLED hiring in education, which also keeps educators within our school systems.
Even when working in another position, a great transition can start by getting a part-time role with an ed-tech company. Many organizations can offer consultant jobs with tasks such as delivering their training and designing supplemental materials like s lesson plans and implementation guides.
Forbes identifies several avenues to increase access to SLED roles in education, including converting classroom skills like incorporating abilities to create great units and lessons as experience in “instructional design” or differentiating plans for students with programming as “strategic planning.”
For tech professionals eyeing a career in the SLED sector, the opportunities are abundant and diverse. Whether it’s leveraging expertise in educational technology to revolutionize learning environments or spearheading transformative initiatives in government IT departments, the intersection of technology and public service offers a wealth of possibilities.
By staying abreast of industry trends, honing essential skills, and embracing a mindset of continuous learning, individuals can position themselves for success in this dynamic and rewarding field. Prosum has demonstrated experience helping clients in the State, Local, and Education (SLED) technology vertical within the government sector connect with top talent to fill growing tech needs. If you are searching for talent or are an IT professional looking for new opportunities aligned with the education sector, contact our team today to get started.
