Canadian kids, for whatever reason, are just not that interested in ICT jobs. Which is unfortunate, because we REALLY need IT or ICT professionals to help us grease the wheels of the modern information age economy. This is according to an article in The Star, citing research from a national survey conducted for the Canadian Coalition for Tomorrow’s ICT Skills (CCICT). And parents are to blame supposedly. Computer related programs in Canadian colleges and universities have declined by almost half since 2001- which I can’t believe. But I will for dramatic effect, and I encourage you to as well. The research seems to point to parental advice that puts the damper on dreams of being a tech support guy. Can you imagine dad hanging over his 16 year son and saying “Aim high son, why would you want to fix computers all day when you could be a business man and make real money?” and then 4 years later said son graduates from business school along with the other thousands of students that now have to compete for slim pickings while companies are forced to outsource and offshore all their IT because not enough kids learned how a computer works. Business school Johnny is now serving tables while he could be making 80 large a year waiting for someone to call his extension because they forgot to plug in a coaxial cable. Anyhow…

Business leaders like Jim Balsilie of RIM and others have voiced that they believe we need a new Canadian technology renaissance; A “Renewal” of Canadian leadership and innovation in the technology sector. I pray it happens, because we will eventually run out of trees, salmon, water and tar sand. And then what? Better have a plan B Canada. B for Brand new IT graduates.