Dive Brief:
- Steve Wozniak, Apple co-founder, has announced plans to shake up higher education for the tech industry. Wozniak formed Woz U, which says it aims to serve as a world-class institute to help close the skills gap so high-paying jobs in the tech industry can be filled nationwide.
- Wozniak designed the Arizona-based Woz U to bring people quickly and affordably into the workforce, the press release notes. The goal is to develop long-term financial security for the upcoming generation of tech workers while providing employers with trained staff.
- Woz U started online, but will eventually expand to campuses in more than 30 cities.
Dive Insight:
Businesses and educators are increasingly forming partnerships to ensure that students' skills match employers' needs. It's not a new concept, but one that is garnering more attention as employers in all industries report a massive talent gap.
The STEM skills gap has comes with a unique set of problems, however, and employers are trying a wide range of solutions, from rebranding the industry to improved diversity efforts.
Meanwhile, a task force in the space is encouraging employers to think about qualifications differently. Because the skills they need often won't look like a degree on a resume, employers might have to reconsider how they screen and hire employees in the future.
