[Satnews] Today’s industry relies heavily on a cadre of experienced workers in the 45-54 age range, who make up 42 percent of employees.

These are people who know the business and the technologies, and are deeply versed in the processes and the unique demands of customers.

At the same time, a shocking 67 percent of employees with between one and five years on the job voluntarily leave their companies. Is it high attrition among younger employees that leads companies to rely on veterans, or does the reliance on veterans close off career paths for the next generation?

Whatever the answer, one thing is clear: a successful tech industry should be sending fewer of its newest employees out the door, and rely less on those who will be heading off to retirement within the next 20 years.

The 2016 Report: Launch Failure: Can We Attract and Retain the Talent that Powers Innovation? is now available from SSPI.