IT job vacancies have shot up by 38% between the first quarter of 2016 and 2017, with technical and specialist IT professionals in the highest demand.
Figures from the Robert Walters South African Jobs Index, which charts vacancy numbers posted to online platforms, reveals that the IT sector has seen the most year-on-year growth in the number of advertised roles amongst all other sectors.
Lance Maree, associate director for IT recruitment at Robert Walters South Africa, comments: “With companies looking to increase investment in IT infrastructure and grow their competitive advantage, there has been an evident rise in demand for IT professionals.”
While the number of roles has grown, most of these advertised vacancies have been similar and consistent.
Many businesses are looking for the same type of IT professionals, such as those with expertise in specific technologies to increase business intelligence capabilities.
Technical and specialist IT skills continue to outstrip supply in 2017, creating a candidate short market.
“IT professionals with technical and specialist skills sets with experience in systems and languages are in high demand within the South African job market,” Maree adds. “Developers, programmers and specialised software subject matter experts continue to be highly sought after.”
