Manchester Tech Skill Crisis

Companies need to find more immediate solutions as Manchester faces looming tech skills crisis.

17:27 26 July 2021

Manchester, which has been recently named the fastest-growing tech city in Europe, must prepare for a looming tech skills shortage crisis, an expert has warned. 

 

Alex Bright, founder of PACC, a candidate profiling and cultural compatibility consultancy, says Manchester, which was also recently listed as one of the best in the world to start and scale a fintech firm, says companies will require more immediate solutions. 

 

He said: “The demand for developers and programmers is unprecedented. There are a number of reasons.

 

"The pandemic led many companies to pivot to online trading. Many new e-tailing businesses have emerged, and the sector is awash with funding and investment, which has contributed to the skills shortage as companies grow.”

 

He added: “The most successful companies we work with are prepared to appoint workers from outside the region and often from overseas. The days of just recruiting from your immediate catchment are gone forever.

 

"There is a global pool of talent available to local companies, provided they are prepared to embrace remote working.”

 

Mr Bright says that companies must refrain from requiring years of experience when hiring talents and instead, "see the merits" of appointing younger people and graduate to roles. 

 

He added: “The prerequisite of a great developer is that they stay abreast of new technology. Graduates are generally far more up to date with the latest developments.

 

"They learn quickly and devise fresh ways of doing things.

 

"Managed correctly, they can deliver significant returns. Once you’ve appointed someone, the golden egg is keeping them engaged so they stay motivated and happy.

 

"We recently conducted research among developers to find out what they look for in an employer. These insights have proved invaluable as we help our clients identify suitable candidates.”