Oct.05, 2012 | 1:24 AM–A shortage of high-tech manpower could prove a major stumbling block for Israeli economic growth if the problem isn’t addressed soon, according to a report by a team led by Prof. Eugene Kandel, chairman of the National Economic Council.

This came as no surprise to Israel’s high-tech industry. Groups representing the high-tech, electronics and software industries have been complaining for years about a dire shortage of engineers. They cite a lack of 8,000 to 10,000 qualified personnel.

Elisha Yanay, chairman of the Israel Association of Electronics & Software Industries, notes the growing demand for high-tech workers as the number of university science graduates remains flat. This can only increase the gap between manpower and jobs. He says the shortage of qualified people in high tech is forecast to reach 20,000 in five years.

The report by Kandel’s team states that a decline in the number of technology students, due to a drop in the level of high school science and technology courses, is a contributing factor.

Such statements are sure to infuriate engineers who have lost their jobs and are having a hard time getting back into the industry – many 45 or over. To make sense of the disparity between these people’s experiences and the needs of industry leaders, TheMarker formed a panel of five recruiting and development managers from high-tech firms – ranging from start-ups to large international companies.

All said they couldn’t find enough suitable employees. The Kandel team’s conclusion – that the worst shortage is in outstanding university graduates in hardware and software with work experience – could be the root of the problem. The labor market thirsts for engineers, but it only wants the best…Read More>>

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