Govt invests in IT students but many plan to head abroad

Information Technology (IT) is one of the highest in demand skills in the job market globally. Currently, it is called the fourth industrial revolution where the main focus is on technology-based industries mostly dealing with artificial intelligence, robotics, Internet of Things (IoT), Web 3.0, and 3D printing mostly related to high end technologies and ICT skills.

This demand has also has picked up in the country. An official from GovTech, shared that demand for tech skills are growing rapidly.

“With the Royal Government of Bhutan prioritizing the ICT sector as a key enabler for economic growth, the requirement for the digital skills in deep tech areas has exponentially increased within the last few years. As we begin our journey of achieving the digital vision of ‘A technologically advanced nation, with empowered citizens, and a thriving digital economy’, it has become extremely important to develop the local tech talent that matches up with the international skill demand,” said the official.

For such demands, currently, the country has a college dedicated to grow such skills. Gyalpozhing College for Information Technology (GCIT) was established to empower the tech generation of learners with cutting edge skills and knowledge in modern software technology and interactive design, and equip students with expertise, practical skills, and values necessary to become contributors and leaders in the technology and design industry.

However, it seems that the country does not have enough IT skills and experts that are needed. “Although Bhutan does not have access to an adequate skilled workforce in deep tech areas, the Gov Tech Agency is working toward building a pool of 1,000 deep tech professionals by 2030. The strategy is to offer an adequate skilling program for the tech professionals across the country and facilitate them to get internationally accredited certificates in the deep tech areas,” shared the official.

He also added that the agency is also exploring to engage international domain experts for short term employment. “This will not only allow us to fill up the resource gaps but our professionals will have opportunities to work under the guidance of domain experts, and the transfer of knowledge will help build domestic experience and capacity in the medium term.”

With a huge scope for job opportunities and job market, students of GCIT shared that they chose their college and programme precisely because of its huge job market.

Tashi, a 2nd year student at GCIT shared that with change of time and development, the scope of the job market and opportunities are high. He added that his course, B. Sc in IT will generate a career not only in the country but also outside the country.

Other students from GCIT share similar opinions, sharing that opportunities are huge with advancement and digital transformation.

College of Science and Technology (CST) also offers IT related courses. Talking to students of CST, they shared similar opinions, saying that future job prospects are really good.

However, the sad reality of such huge prospects for job opportunities is saddled by the trend of people going outside. Norphel from CST shares that two of his friends left for Australia as it provided them better prospects in terms of better source of income and better college courses.

“Currently, I don’t have prospects of going outside as the country is currently transforming for the better however, it might change as it will depend on my employment and my pay. If I get better opportunity outside, I won’t hesitate to leave,” added Norphel.

Tashi also shared similar sentiments, sharing, if possible, he’d like to go outside and explore more to learn something new. He added that he’d stay and work in the country, but if opportunity arises, he will definitely like to work outside.

Similar sentiments were shared by their college mates, many opting to go outside if opportunity arises with only few opting to wanting to stay here in the country.

Similar happenings have happened around the colleges around the country. Few students have started dropping out of college to finish their studies in Australia.

One young man dropped in between his studies at Norbu Rigter college in his first semester to pursue an IT degree in Australia. Few students have dropped from Sherubtse college opting to study nursing in Australia.

Currently, many graduates are also opting to leave, pursuing post graduates and masters in other countries for better opportunities outside. This trend has given rise to young students inculcating thoughts to go outside for better prospects.

According to few employers, whenever vacancies for IT officers are floated, there are only few applicants, and they are fresh graduates apply and sometimes, there are no applicants at all.

Despite people in IT industry being paid relatively well, experienced ones have also started to leave as prospects are much better outside. With high demands for IT skills globally, most have opted to leave.

The official from GovTech also shared that the pertinent challenge faced right now is attrition. “One of the challenges with regard to the workforce is access to skill tech professionals and retaining them. The attrition rate has hit almost all the sectors in Bhutan. The trend is simply going to increase in the near future if certain mechanisms are not put in place.”

“Therefore, one of the top priorities of the Agency in the 13th FYP will be to develop the conducive tech ecosystem as a support strategy to offer gainful employment opportunities and economic empowerment,” he added.

As the country is gearing for digitization, the lack of IT skills will impact the transition of Bhutan into a digitalized country.