Tech association says industry needs more in-state talent

The Washington Technology Industry Association reported the employment ripple effect that occurs when new technology positions are filled in a recently released study, but CEO Michael Schutzler said the fact that 90 percent of those jobs are going to people living outside the state remains a problem the Legislature could help fix this year.

By Brandon Macz • March 11, 2015 4:40 pm

The Washington Technology Industry Association reported the employment ripple effect that occurs when new technology positions are filled in a recently released study, but CEO Michael Schutzler said the fact that 90 percent of those jobs are going to people living outside the state remains a problem the Legislature could help fix this year.

According to the WTIA’s Information and Communication Technology Economic and Fiscal Impact Study, for every tech job — software developer, programmer, computer engineer, etc., — that is filled, that hire will add 1.7 jobs within their own organization and another 2.7 more jobs through consumer spending. These tech job salaries range from $100,000 to $120,000, Schutzler said, providing income to buy homes, purchase cars and start families.

As more “Code Ninjas” move from concept to application, investment capital begins to grow, as does the need for new support staff, Schutzler said.”In ballpark terms, 90 percent of jobs we create are filled by people from someplace else,” he said. “Our ability to create the jobs have dramatically outstripped our ability to produce the talent.”

Schutzler said solutions favored by the WTIA include increasing computer science education in high schools statewide and adding capacity at the University of Washington for those seeking computer science degrees.

Less than 10 percent of Washington schools offer computer science courses, but House Bill 1813 proposes funding for certifying and training high school teachers to provide this education.

The University of Washington has been joined by a group of 23 state tech leaders in requesting the Legislature approve $40 million in capital spending for a new computer science building, UW having raised $60 million in private donations and pledges.

The university’s computer science and engineering program granted 315 degrees in June, while the state’s tech industry needed about 3,000 more. “This is the one that we care the most about,” Schutzler said. “We literally will hire every one of the kids who graduate, which will attract more capital to the region.”