Demand for ICT staff booms creating shortages

Stan Beer
Monday, 12 February 2007 17:10

IT People - Enterprise

Sydney recruiter, Best International’s monthly ITC Talent Index, launched today, reveals demand for ITC labour skills in the Australian market is at an all time-high - recording a 19% increase since the start of the financial year and a significant 10% increase over November 2006 figures.

The five week period from 1 January to 6 February has shown the highest number of jobs ever recorded for ITC labour skills in Australia, according to Best, with permanent roles up by 12% and contract roles rising by 8%.

John McVicker, Managing Director of Best International commented, “Predictions are set for a strong year ahead in IT across the country, with companies gearing up for the commencement of a large number of projects nationally.

“Although this heralds excellent news for the Australian IT industry, the increased demand coupled with the limited available IT talent means candidate shortages may be problematic for the IT sector.

“The ITC labour landscape has shifted from a war for talent to a war for resources and organizations need to be prepared. The solution to this growing problem is three fold; create a workplace that encourages IT-skilled people to work for longer, make the IT industry more attractive to Generation Y and skilled workers from other industries by offering greater flexibility, and capitalize on overseas talent.”

While the six month trend is up across the board, the three weeks up to 6 February have been exceptional, according to Best.  There has been a 10% increase in that period alone against a 9% rise in the six months prior to that.  Mr McVicker said this was the biggest jump ever witnessed.

The Best International IT Talent Index recorded substantial increases in demand for skills across the board, with the largest increase in sales roles at 27%.  QA and testing roles were up 25%, multimedia 24%, project management 20%, telecoms specialists 15%, hardware engineers 13.5% and demand for network engineers increased by 10%.  Consulting and BA roles rose by 12% and 9.5%.