Demand for ICT staff up 13.75% amid growing skills shortage

Stan Beer
Tuesday, 05 June 2007 10:17

IT People - Enterprise

As a nationwide technology skills shortage continues to bite deeper, a new report reveals that demand for ICT workers skyrocketed by 13.75% in May. The news follows on the heels of another report released yesterday by recruiter Ambition Technology showing ICT salaries shot up 10% for the same month.

Recruiter Best International Group’s monthly IT Talent Index reveals that demand for ICT labour in Australia continues to remain strong, experiencing a 13.75% overall increase – the largest rise since January of this year.

The most in demand skill, Project Management, posted a record increase of 17.64%. Demand for Telecommunication Specialists recorded an even more dramatic increase of 34.62% across both permanent and contract.   There was also big demand for Internet Multimedia Design and Development, Engineer Network, Training and Technical Writing roles, indicating steep competition for talent in these areas.

Significantly the May Index indicates a continued prominent demand for permanent positions, which increased by 13.7%, while contract roles attracted a 7.8% rise.  The overall increase in ICT labour demand for the year to date is a whopping 48%. 

The exception for this trend was recorded for Architect, Hardware Engineer, Help Desk and Telecommunication Specialist roles, where demand for contractor roles has outnumbered demand for permanent positions.  According to John McVicker, Managing Director of Best International Group, this exception may be attributed to the commencement of greater numbers of infrastructure projects. 

“The May Talent Index has indicated an overall growth in the ICT industry, however reviewing market demand by position revealed some decreases were experienced.  Of significance to employers, the decline in demand for contract staff in specific positions such as Security, and Quality Assurance and Tester roles offers some respite for Australian businesses struggling to resource projects in the talent short market.  A prime opportunity to secure good talent exists in these areas.

“As the appetite for permanent ICT labour remains, employers will need to focus on employee retention strategies to retain key ICT staff. Maintaining awareness of current market salaries when conducting reviews will mitigate the risk of losing vital permanent staff,” continued Mr McVicker.

Nationally, Western Australia and in Queensland recorded the most dramatic rises in demand, 40.99% and 18.46%, respectively.

---

Let your supply fill the demand
It's never been a better time take the next step in your career. Be challenged in a new job you found on iTWire . You'll find opportunities amongst our listings that can't be found anywhere else. Why not subscribe to our free jobs alerts email that sends new jobs that match your skills daily. IT JOBS AUSTRALIA