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Technology Companies Hit the Road in Search of Talent First Stop the...

In response to a 2006 technology talent report that identified the need for over 9000 skilled workers in both technical and customer facing roles, the BC Technology Industry Association -- along with a host of established and emerging tech companies -- is stepping up efforts to woo talent from outside BC. First stop on the whistle tour is Chicago, Illinois where BC tech companies, among them, Sierra Wireless, PMC-Sierra, Business Objects and Vision Critical, will meet with soon-to-be graduates, recent graduates and alumni at four targeted academic institutions.

"Sierra Wireless is participating in this mission because we see out-of-province talent as an essential part of our recruiting strategy. We've known for some time that the BC talent pool isn't large enough to meet the growing demands of the tech industry so it is good to see the industry pulling together to address our needs," said Jason Cohenour, Chief Executive Officer Sierra Wireless.

BCTIA's Labour Trends in the British Columbia Technology Sector report, delivered earlier this year, points out that the technology industry, which employs approximately 70,000 workers today, forecasts adding 15% more employees in 2007/2008. One data point that illustrates the need today is the more than 1200 open opportunities posted to TNET, a popular BC technology job portal.

Under the BCTIA banner of TechTalentBC, this industry-led attraction initiative is one way the tech industry aims to address the serious skills shortage it is facing.

A task group, comprised of senior human resources representatives from BC technology companies has been working with the BCTIA over the summer months to develop the initiative.

"If we don't act now the situation will only become more serious and will prevent our companies and our industry from growing," said President, Rob Cruickshank. "These outreach efforts allow tech companies to get in front of potential employees in other jurisdictions to discuss tangible opportunities, and to paint a clear picture of work and life in BC. It's a compelling story and a strong reason to come work, live and play in BC."

In order to gain access to these potential employee audiences, the task group will work with academia, government and industry to engage career officers within targeted academic institutions. Other international recruiting forums targeting the US West Coast, are currently in the works.

To support the attraction campaign, BCTIA has launched an information portal, http://www.bctia.org

For more information, please contact:

Catherine Ducharme

604-813-6104

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