In today's tech-driven world, the demand for skilled embedded engineers is skyrocketing as industries ranging from automotive to consumer electronics rely on embedded systems to power their innovations. However, the availability of qualified embedded engineers doesn't meet the growing demand, creating a significant talent pipeline problem.
This use case explores the challenges of this shortage, the role of programming languages, and how advanced engineering apprenticeships can expand the talent pool, using Qwasar's Embedded Engineering Program as a prime example.
The Problem With C and the Talent Pipeline Issue
One of the challenges in the embedded engineering field is the reliance on programming languages like C. While C is a fundamental language for embedded systems, it's a double-edged sword. You either know it or you don't, and if you don't, it's challenging to qualify for an embedded engineering job. This stringent requirement narrows the talent pipeline, leaving many potentially skilled engineers on the sidelines.
Further, C is not a required course in most Computer Science majors, meaning students have to elect to take it…..and many prefer to elect for more ‘modern’ courses such as Java or C++. The result is an even smaller pool of talent and one that doesn’t grow easily after graduation.
Competing for a Limited Talent Pool
The shortage of embedded engineers intensifies competition among companies seeking to hire these professionals. Smaller companies with limited budgets often find it challenging to attract and retain top talent. As a result, they face the dilemma of either paying higher salaries to lure experienced engineers or exploring alternative ways to expand the talent pool.
The Role of Advanced Engineering Apprenticeships: Bridging a Skills Gap, Creating Talent
One promising solution to the talent shortage is the adoption of advanced engineering apprenticeships. These programs can significantly expand the pool of potential embedded engineers by selecting "almost good enough" candidates who align with a company's culture and values. Through structured training and hands-on experience, apprentices undergo 3 months of training to join an engineering team with valuable skills and industry knowledge.
This model could help solve various talent situations such as:
- A mid-sized engineering company finding it difficult to recruit and compete for local embedded talent
- A startup looking for quality embedded talent but lacking the funds to recruit 5 senior engineers
- Large companies in need of 20+ embedded engineers in non-tech hubs who struggle to find enough talent
At Qwasar, we help companies run embedded engineering apprenticeship programs: we take care of the 3 months of training and preparing a workplace-ready engineer with a significant amount of C programming under their belt. This enables companies to recruit talent that’s almost qualified but lacks deal-breaker skills such as writing and efficiently debugging code in C, Assembly, or other languages your company uses.
Key Components of Qwasar's Embedded Engineering Apprenticeship Program
Comprehensive Curriculum: The program offers a well-structured curriculum that covers core courses in embedded systems. This includes in-depth training in C, Assembly, C++, and other languages and tools relevant to embedded engineering.
Hands-on Projects and Labs: Apprentices are exposed to real-world projects and hands-on labs that simulate the challenges they will face in industry settings. Practical experience is a cornerstone of the program.
Industry-Relevant Skills and Knowledge: The curriculum is designed to equip apprentices with the skills and knowledge required in the industry. This includes exposure to various development stacks and technologies commonly used in the embedded systems field.
The growing demand for embedded engineers and the limited supply of qualified professionals are significant challenges in the tech industry. The requirement of expertise in languages like C adds an extra layer of complexity.
However, the adoption of advanced engineering apprenticeships, like Qwasar's Embedded Engineering Program, provides a viable solution to expand the talent pool. By investing in and training individuals who may not initially meet the strict criteria but possess the right potential and cultural fit, companies can address the talent shortage while nurturing a new generation of skilled embedded engineers.
If you are a company looking to expand your pool of talent for embedded engineers, or if you are a candidate who is interested in a career in embedded engineering, please visit the Qwasar website to learn more about the Embedded Engineering Apprenticeship Program.
These programs offer a pathway to tap into a broader pool of talent while reducing recruitment costs, increasing ROI, lowering turnover and increasing retention (the benefits of an apprenticeship!).
