There is an unprecedented demand for artificial intelligence technology worldwide. AI has become the cornerstone of modern business strategy, from automating routine tasks to creating sophisticated algorithms.

However, with developments in AI technology, a new challenge – a shortage of skilled AI developers – has emerged. This has created big issues for many tech companies, especially in Canada, as their projects get stuck in development.

Tech companies are looking to hire offshore AI developers to overcome this issue. In this post, we will explore the contribution of overseas AI developers to bridging the skills gap in the Canadian tech market.

Let’s get started.

Growing Demand for Skilled AI Talent

Recently, Canada has emerged as a global leader in AI innovation. It is home to research institutes and tech hubs, especially in cities like Montreal, Vancouver, and Toronto. As per Budget 2024, the Canadian government has announced a $2 billion investment to launch the AI Computer Access Fund and Canadian AI Sovereign Compute Strategy to provide AI companies with the tools necessary to advance in the global tech landscape.

Canada faces a significant shortage of AI talent, with 74% of employers unable to find candidates with the necessary skills and 62% reporting skill gaps among current employees.

Beyond tech companies, AI developers are increasingly sought after in sectors like finance, manufacturing, and healthcare, where they are needed to create websites and digital services for customers and patients.

How Overseas AI Developers Benefit Canadian Companies

Overseas developers offer multiple solutions to fill Canada's skills gap. Partnering with offshore AI developers gives you access to skilled talents from regions like Eastern Europe and Southeast Asia. Some benefits of hiring offshore developers include:

Access to Specialized AI Expertise

Countries like Poland, India, and Ukraine have developed top-quality AI education systems and training programs, producing thousands of skilled AI developers yearly. Recently, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella stated that more than 13.2 million Indian developers are using GitHub for software development, second only to the United States. Overseas developers are proficient in computer vision, natural language processing (NLP) and predictive analysis.

Canadian tech companies can use the expertise of these offshore developers without relying on the limited availability of domestic talent. This will allow them to complete projects quickly and provide an agile response to industry demand.

Cost Efficiency Without Compromising Quality

Offshore developers are more cost-effective than hiring developers in Canada. The average salary of AI developers in Canada ranges from $63,000 to $91,000 annually. In contrast, offshore developers in countries like Ukraine or India offer competitive rates but maintain top-tier skills. For startups or mid-sized companies, overseas developers are the best option.

Flexibility and Scalability

Canadian tech companies frequently encounter challenges in scaling their teams, particularly during periods of high demand. Talent acquisition firms like Sourcedesk offer a solution by providing offshore AI developers to support these companies.

With Sourcedesk, businesses can adjust their teams flexibly, scaling up or down based on their evolving needs. This approach helps Canadian tech firms meet demand efficiently without the long-term commitment of permanent hires.

Improved Work-Life Balance

Offshore or remote developers often contribute to a healthier work-life balance for employees. Remote AI/ML developers can manage work schedules at their convenience, potentially reducing burnout. This, in turn, improves the developers' job satisfaction and positively impacts their contribution to the project. Similarly, hiring remote candidates also decreases absenteeism, resulting in more efficient work outputs.

Time Zone Benefits

Collaborating with offshore developers allows team members from different time zones to contribute without a traditional 9-5 schedule. It creates a continuous workflow that passes from one-time zone to another, ensuring round-the-clock progress on projects.

Additionally, the diversity in perspectives and problem-solving approaches that come from a geographically dispersed team can foster greater innovation and more comprehensive solutions. This can give companies a competitive edge in developing advanced AI technologies.

Challenges to Consider

As there are numerous benefits to hiring offshore developers, it is equally important to consider its challenges as well:

Technical Skill Assessment

Evaluating the technical skills of remote developers can be more difficult without in-person interaction. Assessing their proficiency in data processing, machine learning, and AI frameworks requires a well-structured interview process in real-time. Virtual assessment may not always provide the full scope of a candidate's ability.

Project Management and Accountability

Keeping track of AI developers' work requires strong management practices. Without face-to-face interaction, it becomes difficult to monitor progress, manage deadlines, and ensure accountability. Using effective management tools and defining clear roles can mitigate this challenge.

Data Security and Privacy

AI projects often involve sensitive data, which can be challenging to safeguard in a remote environment. It is crucial to ensure that remote developers comply with data privacy regulations and implement security measures to protect confidential information. Companies need to set up secure access protocols and ensure that all team members follow best practices for data protection.

Hiring offshore AI developers presents a strategic solution for Canadian companies to address the growing AI skills gap. With access to specialized expertise, cost-efficient solutions, and flexibility in scaling teams, offshore developers help accelerate project timelines and foster innovation. While challenges such as skill assessment and data security require careful management, the advantages of tapping into global talent significantly outweigh these hurdles, enabling Canadian tech firms to stay competitive in the evolving AI landscape.