In conjunction with the launch of Wayne County’s new Digital Hub, Connected Tennessee released its newest report Tuesday, Digital Workforce Skills and Tennessee Businesses, showing that more than seven out of 10 Tennessee businesses (71 percent) say it is “important” or “very important” for potential employees to have digital skills, while two out of five Tennessee businesses (40 percent) say it is “difficult” or “very difficult” to find employees with the necessary technical skills.
Wayne County’s Digital Hub, already fitted with laptops donated to the South Central Tennessee Development District by Connected Tennessee in partnership with AT&T, will assist residents with acquiring various technology skills, training, and working online.
“This Digital Hub is such an asset to our community and will help ensure that our residents are equipped with the basic technology skills that can help them secure employment in this day and age,” said Rena Purdy, Wayne County Chamber of Commerce executive director. “The Wayne County Chamber of Commerce, along with our many supporters and partners, is proud to be able to provide this opportunity and serve as a catalyst to preparing qualified employees.”
Additional findings from this report include:
More than three out of four unemployed Tennessee Internet users (78 percent) go online to find jobs.
More than three out of 10 Tennessee businesses (31 percent) use the Internet to advertise job openings or accept job applications.
One in 10 Tennessee businesses needs employees to be able to write software, while one in 12 says new employees need to be able to create mobile applications or “apps.”
Three out of 10 Tennessee businesses allow their employees to telework, while nearly as many (29 percent) provide their employees with the tools necessary (such as cell phones, laptop computers, or tablets) to work remotely.
“Learning to send or receive e-mail or use the Internet or other basic software programs is a key stepping stone for job seekers aiming to become gainfully employed in today’s increasingly technological society,” said Corey Johns, Connected Tennessee executive director. “This new report, Digital Workforce Skills and Tennessee Business demonstrates that businesses in Tennessee widely recognize the benefit of using technology to stay competitive, while attracting and retaining skilled employees."