Telecom Hall of Fame ramps up efforts to tackle telecom skills shortage

Canada's Telecommunications Hall of Fame is launching new initiatives over the next two years to encourage more university students to consider a career in telecommunications and information technology - one of Canada's largest industrial sectors. The efforts come at a critical time for the industry as the number of students entering these and related fields continue to dwindle. The Hall of Fame hopes to leverage the success of its annual Laureates program, which honours Canada's telecom pioneers and leaders. The 2008 Laureates were unveiled earlier this month.Lorne Abugov, founder of the Hall of Fame, says much of the effort to date has been focused on the Laureate program, but education will have a much greater focus in the future, in particular education at the post-secondary level. "Indeed our focus over the next couple of years will be on enhancing our education and outreach programs," he says. The move by the Hall of Fame to put more emphasis on education comes as fewer students are enrolling in telecom/IT post-secondary programs. It's a challenge facing all organizations, but particularly those that offer IT-related products and services. A survey of more than 1000 Canadian C-level lexecutives, IT professionals and students released earlier this year by Microsoft Canada revealed that 90% of respondents agree there is a skills shortage. However, only 60% of CEOs say the shortage represents a serious concern for business, compared to 96% of CIOs.As part of that increased education focus, the Hall of Fame will soon unveil more details of two $1,500 scholarships it plans to offer to university students who follow in the footsteps of Canada's telecommunications pioneers. The scholarships form part of the Hall of Fame's Future Telecom Leaders Contest which is aimed at awarding the best and brightest of Canada's youth for ideas on how to make Canada a world leader in telecommunications. Students interested are required to submit an essay, multimedia package or digital art submission answer the following question: How Canada can become a recognized global leader in telecom in the next 10 years? The Hall of Fame is working with youth oriented organization Taking It Global to promote the contest. In addition to two scholarships, the Hall of Fame will select 10 winners from across the country to attend the Hall of Fame Gala being held in October in Ottawa. They will also get an opportunity to tour telecommunications companies' facilities, meet with executives and discuss career paths. Canada has recognizable leaders already and one only need to look at the BlackBerry for evidence. As is widely known the popular mobile device was developed in Waterloo ON. "We want these young people to think about these kinds of issues and focus on this industry as a great one for their future," Abugov says.

Telecom Hall of Fame ramps up efforts to tackle telecom skills shortage

News | May 29, 2008

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