Information Technology
The Information technology industry is one the fastest growing in the capital area. Terms like the "information age" and the "knowledge-based economy"-which are hot topics in the region and state!-have their roots in the birth of computers, microprocessors and the internet. The bottom line is that IT has transformed our lives like few developments in history and Lansing has embraced this revolution socially and economically to stay on the cutting edge of development in all industries.
IT-related occupations are not limited to just the "digital" sector of the economy: they occur in almost every industry and are scattered across the manufacturing, trade and service sectors. Some fantastic examples in Lansing are IDV Solutions, Spartan Internet, and ACD.net.
The IT sector in Lansing is very dynamic, but a shortage of IT workers spanning a broad range of skills and occupations is a concern in the capital area. IT companies in the region are enjoying explosive growth, but the nature of this shift has important implications for education and training providers, workforce development and career explorers. These entities are vital to ensuring an adequately prepared workforce for the IT industry.
Accordingly, there is an extensive range of education and training programs in the area to meet the need for workers in the IT-industry and the lifelong training needs of workers in IT-related occupations.
Quick Facts:
- Approximately 4,500 capital area jobs
- IT industry accounts for three percent of private employment (just under construction's share of four percent)
- Approximately 300 IT companies compose the IT industry in the capital area
- Many local companies in IT are growing and hiring significant numbers of workers
- The capital area information technology sector pays its workers more on average than other industries.
- The IT sector is a well-connected network through the Capital Area IT Council and the Linking Lansing & U program, which engage the Creative Class
