Measuring Middle-Skills Gaps within the Finger Lakes Regional Economy

The increase in computer-based technologies requires an increase in the number of skilled technicians. Information technology is the engine of successful businesses and industry. Computers are a part of almost every job, and they have to work and talk to one another securely and virus free. Computer Information Systems, Computer Systems Technology, Computer Science, and Information Technology make up the Information & Computer Technology cluster. The use of computers in daily life will continue to grow as new technologies and economic sectors are developed. Demand for skilled IT workers has not declined. The technology industry remains one of the fastest growing career fields. Employment in computer systems designs and related services is anticipated to grow dramatically through 2020, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. 4

INFORMATION & COMPUTER TECHNOLOGY

4 http://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/computer-systems-analysts.htm#tab-6