http://www.computerworld.com/cwi/letters/0,2107,NAV47-68-86-1698_WEK04,00.html 
A Clarification 

(01/28/2002) I deeply appreciate Computerworld's coverage of the 
nation's challenge in meeting the demand for highly skilled IT 
workers ("Government: Demand Exceeds Supply of Skilled IT Workers," 
Computerworld.com, Dec. 21). However, it's essential that I set the 
record straight with respect to the article's assertion that I 
stated that demand for IT workers still exceeds supply. 


First, I didn't assert that demand exceeds the supply of skilled IT 
workers in the current tech downturn. Prior to the recent economic 
slowdown, there was evidence pointing to a tight labor market for 
highly skilled IT workers, such as rapid growth in IT occupations 
(11.2% between 1999 and 2000), low unemployment rates and rising 
salaries, with some worker salaries reportedly rising 
significantly. However, due to the limitations of available data, 
there was not then, nor is there now, any way to establish 
conclusively whether there is, or is not, an overall IT worker 
shortage. 


Second, I did make several points related to the nation's IT 
workforce challenge that I would like to reiterate and expand on: 


With the downturn, many IT workers have been laid off. At the same 
time, many companies (as well as the federal government) are 
hiring, recognizing the opportunity to secure outstanding talent. 


Despite short-term layoffs, the longer-term outlook for IT workers 
is quite positive. Department of Commerce analysis of the latest 
employment projections by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (November 
2001) covering the 2000-2010 period indicates that the number of 
jobs for IT professionals will grow from 3.3 million to 5.5 
million. In addition, another 340,000 will be needed to replace 
those leaving IT occupations due to retirement and other reasons. 
All told, the projections indicate that the nation will need more 
than 2.5 million new IT professionals during this 10-year period. 


Finally, my comments were made following a roundtable discussion 
with IT employers in the Boston area to gather information for a 
congressionally mandated report the Commerce Department is 
preparing on IT education and training. More than ever, IT and the 
professionals engaged in its creation and application will be 
critical to U.S. competitiveness. Understanding the IT labor market 
and education and training pipeline - what employers are seeking, 
the landscape of IT education and training available, and the 
institutions and processes IT professionals use to get and maintain 
their knowledge and skills - is essential to crafting effective 
federal policies that maximize the nation's ability to meet the 
demand for IT workers and to provide the greatest opportunities for 
American workers. 

Thank you for the opportunity to set the record straight. 

Phillip J. Bond 
Undersecretary of Commerce for Technology