Tech publisher Packt calls for greater skillsets to enable the next technology revolution
In launching the company’s global $5 offer, Packt Publishing CEO and founder Dave Maclean has warned that access to knowledge is one of the biggest threats to the growth of technology companies
“Access to knowledge is one of the foundations of growth,” says Maclean. “You can’t build what you don’t understand. Our industry has grown far quicker than other sectors, but we must be careful we support the continued professional development of our teams, otherwise companies risk stemming the growth that has seen us become such an attractive industry.”
Maclean’s comments come as a study released by the World Economic Forum (The Future of Jobs 2018) detailed the need to address a diversity of skills within the technology sector.
“The Fourth Industrial Revolution is interacting with other socio-economic and demographic factors to create a perfect storm of business model change in all industries, resulting in major disruptions to labour markets. New categories of jobs will emerge, partly or wholly displacing others. The skill sets required in both old and new occupations will change in most industries and transform how and where people work.”
The annual $5 offer by Packt (available at www.packtpub.com) sees its library of technology and coding resources reduced to $5, and is fuelled by the passion to remove barriers to knowledge. Packt’s eBook and video topics include developing skillsets in coding, software development, AI, architecture, python, and cybersecurity.
“The speed of change is phenomenal within our industry, and for technologists, remaining relevant will be the key digital skill. We cannot be complacent, lifelong professional learning is a cultural norm we must embrace, otherwise professionals risk being left behind. One only need look at the speed with which AI is embracing all arenas. Those professionals that meet that change, and upskill accordingly, will be the tech leaders of the future. Conversely, companies and professionals that don’t evolve face a far tougher future, ” added Maclean.
Packt’s mission is to help developers stay relevant in a rapidly changing world through the delivery of effective learning and information services to IT professionals. Every eBook and video is priced at $5 price giving new entrants or existing professionals the opportunity to learn and upskill.
Packt prides itself on delivering knowledge and information on emerging technologies for over a decade, giving experts and amateurs the skills needed to optimise and support their learning. To this end, Packt have also launched a search for ‘every-day experts’ to contribute to a new ebook, ‘Pay it Forward’, on career development, which seeks to answer questions such as:
- What is the biggest myth about working in tech?
- If you could give one career hack, what would it be?
- How do you keep on top of new developments and news?
- What are the common challenges you have seen or experienced in your profession?
- Who do you most admire and why?
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