Recode Decode: The future of tech jobs in coal country
Decoder with Nilay Patel · with Ankur Gopal, Rider Rodriguez, Crystal Adkins, Leanne Pittsford · August 21, 2017 · 66 min
Summary
This episode explores the immense potential for tech job growth and entrepreneurship in non-traditional tech hubs, particularly regions like "coal country." It highlights how communities are actively developing their tech workforce through innovative training programs and by challenging outdated hiring practices that prioritize degrees over demonstrated skills. Ecommerce operators should consider tapping into these underserved talent pools and fostering remote work opportunities to fuel their growth and contribute to economic diversification.
Key takeaways
Regions historically lacking tech infrastructure, such as "coal country," offer a significant, untapped talent pool eager for tech-related employment, not handouts.
Traditional hiring practices, particularly the emphasis on bachelor's degrees for coding jobs, are a barrier to entry; focus on demonstrable skills and competencies for a more inclusive and effective hiring strategy.
Coding bootcamps and localized training programs are crucial for upskilling and reskilling workforces in post-industrial areas, creating accessible pathways into tech careers.
Entrepreneurial spirit is strong in these regions; tech companies and investors should actively seek out and support founders and startups in non-traditional tech locations.
Embrace remote work and distributed teams to access a wider talent pool and contribute to economic development in underserved areas, potentially finding cost efficiencies in the process.
Recode’s Kara Swisher heads to Louisville, Ky., to talk about the future of work with a panel of local-minded techies: Interapt CEO Ankur Gopal, Code Louisville founder Rider Rodriguez, TechHire Eastern Kentucky student Crystal Adkins and Tech Jobs Tour CEO Leanne Pittsford. They talk about what inspired them to become entrepreneurial, and why existing tech companies and investors should be looking to historically less-techie places like Kentucky for workers and founders. Gopal emphasizes that people in the area are not looking for a handout, just looking for work, and Adkins explains why hiring for a coding job shouldn’t require a bachelor’s degree. Later in the show, the panel discusses what needs to happen to help entrepreneurial people across the country find their next move.
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What does this episode say about founder & leadership?
Regions historically lacking tech infrastructure, such as "coal country," offer a significant, untapped talent pool eager for tech-related employment, not handouts.
What does this episode say about ai & automation?
Traditional hiring practices, particularly the emphasis on bachelor's degrees for coding jobs, are a barrier to entry; focus on demonstrable skills and competencies for a more inclusive and effective hiring strategy.
What does this episode say about founder & leadership?
Coding bootcamps and localized training programs are crucial for upskilling and reskilling workforces in post-industrial areas, creating accessible pathways into tech careers.
What does this episode say about founder & leadership?
Entrepreneurial spirit is strong in these regions; tech companies and investors should actively seek out and support founders and startups in non-traditional tech locations.
What does this episode say about founder & leadership?
Embrace remote work and distributed teams to access a wider talent pool and contribute to economic development in underserved areas, potentially finding cost efficiencies in the process.
