Good News: Demand for ICT Professionals up as Business Confidence Rises
The jobs outlook in Australia for ICT professionals is strengthening, month-on-month, as both government and private sector employers express confidence in the year ahead, according to the latest ICT Salary and Employment Index from recruitment firm Peoplebank, reports itwire.com.
The ICT jobs market has bounced into gear after the seasonal January lull, reflecting predictions that 2015 will be another big year for technology investments.
Peoplebank CEO Peter Acheson noted that, since the Christmas-January lull, the ICT market has grown strongly in all mainland states, except Queensland. Leading government and enterprise organisations are also expressing strong levels of business confidence, as they push ahead with key projects, especially around their continued digital transformation.
“In fact, employers in New South Wales, Victoria, and even South Australia, have commented that they’re seeing real potential for their organisations in 2015 – and in fact are busier than overall measures of market confidence would suggest.”
“We’re taking this to mean that there are pockets of resurgent business activity; and that companies are prioritising technology investments, such as strengthening their capacity to analyse data, that give them a competitive edge,” he added.
With the resurgence, Mr Acheson stated that demand is outstripping supply for ICT professionals with skills in digital technologies, especially in Victoria, which currently has around 30% more roles available than at this time in 2014, the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), where demand is at its highest point in 18 months, in New South Wales, and South Australia.
Demand in Western Australia is climbing steadily, however, the Queensland market remains subdued as it struggles to replace mining sector investment to generate growth.
Mr Acheson noted that, while the outlook for ICT professionals is very positive this year, there is as yet no pressure on salaries and rates, outside of the most in-demand digital skills areas.
He advised that demand is being met from the local skills pool, which is being supplemented by former expatriates returning to Australia, bringing with them deep experience drawn from major international projects.
“For the short-term, the opportunity for ICT professionals is to get involved with the major projects underway, to sharpen their skills and learn from those with deep experience in the field. Doing so will bring benefits to local professionals – and to Australia’s ICT skills pool,” Mr Acheson concluded.
