In a move to address the underrepresentation of Ethiopians in Israel’s high-tech industry, the Ministry of Labour and the Innovation Authority have unveiled plans to finance training programs aimed at integrating individuals of Ethiopian origin into the flourishing tech sector.
Israel, often recognized as the “Startup Nation” for its vibrant high-tech entrepreneurship scene, is taking a proactive step to diversify its workforce. As part of a government initiative, three programs have been selected to train over 500 men and women of Ethiopian descent over the next two years. The chosen programs include the 8200 Alumni Association, Tech-Career, and a collaborative effort with Reichman University.
Despite positive trends in recent years, employment data in the high-tech sector reveal a significant gap for Ethiopians. Currently, only 4.6% of Ethiopian men and 2.3% of women are employed in high-tech roles, compared to higher percentages for non-Orthodox Jewish men and women.
The selected programs aim to tackle this disparity by providing specialized training across the country. The focus is not only on addressing the underrepresentation issue but also on responding to the shortage of skilled manpower in the high-tech industry.
Israel Ozan, the Director General of the Ministry of Labour, emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, “Our future depends to a large extent on the ability of people from different sectors to find themselves in positions with high wages and productivity.”
The government’s commitment to integrating Ethiopians into quality employment aligns with broader employment goals, emphasizing the need to bridge the gap in the high-tech sector and promote diversity in one of Israel’s key economic drivers. This investment reflects a strategic effort to harness the potential of individuals from diverse backgrounds, fostering a more inclusive and dynamic high-tech landscape for the nation.
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