As the required core competencies of the IT workforce are anticipated and identified, the next step in strengthening the department’s human resource assets is to create an effective recruitment, retention, and training program. This step involves designing and implementing strategies to attract, develop, and retain employees who have the skills, knowledge, and behaviors that align with the IT department’s goals and objectives. A recruitment strategy should focus on sourcing and selecting candidates who have the core competencies needed for the IT roles, as well as the potential to grow and adapt to changing IT needs. A retention strategy should focus on creating a positive work environment that motivates, engages, and rewards employees for their performance and contributions. A training strategy should focus on providing learning opportunities and resources that enable employees to acquire, enhance, and update their core competencies, as well as to develop new ones that are relevant for the future of IT. The other options are not the next step in strengthening the department’s human resource assets, but rather some of the tools or outcomes that can support or result from the recruitment, retention, and training program. A responsible, accountable, consulted, and informed (RACI) chart is a tool that clarifies the roles and responsibilities of different stakeholders in a project or process. A performance metrics and bonus structure is an outcome that measures and rewards the achievement of IT goals and objectives. A personnel requirements for third-party assurance is a tool that defines the qualifications and expectations of external service providers or auditors. References := What is Competency Management? Best Practices in 2023 - AIHR1; Digital Talent Framework to Future-Proof the IT Workforce - Gartner