This Year's Most In Demand IT Jobs and the Skills That Will Help You Advance

Randstad Technologies/IBM Study reveals an IT skills shift towards Project Management, Security and Architecture.

TORONTO, Jan. 26, 2012 /CNW Telbec/ - Wondering what the most in demand IT jobs are, and which skills will best advance your IT career? According to a recent survey of Canadian business decision-makers commissioned by Randstad Technologies and IBM Canada, companies in 2012 are looking for IT professionals with project management, security and architecture skills, as well as strong interpersonal abilities.

According to the results, for both large and small companies, Project Management and Business Analysis continue to be the talent requirements most in demand within the IT industry. These two skills sets have remained in steadily in demand since 2009.

Additionally, both small and large comanies report similar demands when it comes to IT talent requirements.  Both smaller and larger companies have an increase need for Infrastructure Support and Wireless Support and a decrease need for Business Analysis, Web Development and Database Management.

But in terms of the most in demand infrastructure skill sets, small and large companies have differing needs. Smaller companies saw an 8% increase in demand for Server Virtualization Specialists (39% total) where as larger companies report a higher demand for Technical Project Managers (36% total).

Similarly this years' results indicate companies with 1,000 employees or less, and CIOs/VPs also rank Server Virtualization Specialists on the top of their most wanted list. While Technical Project Managers remain in high demand for larger companies and by Directors/Managers.

Nationally, the demand for Security & Privacy Specialists has increased in all regions. Western Canada predicts a minor increase of 1%, Ontario shows a 6% increase in demand, with Quebec seeing the highest increase of 11% to 36%, compared to the previous year.

Overall, Quebec has shown the higest demand for infrastructure skill sets in 2012. The demand for Technical Project Managers (57%), Network Architects & Specialists (50%), Server Virtualization Specialists (50%), Technical Team Leaders (43%) and Security & Privacy Specalists (36%) have all seen increases of more than 20% when compared to the previous year.

This year, Ontario reports an increased demand for Security & Privacy Specialists (up 6% from last year) and Systems Management/Operations Specialists (up 8% from last year). The region also saw a steep decline in the demand for Technical Project Managers, Network Architects & Specialists and Web Hosting System Administrators.

While Western Canada indicates an increased demand for Technical Project Managers (up 7% from last year) and Technical Team Leaders (up 2% from last year). A decrease in demand for Network Architects & Specialists, Server Virtualization Specialists and Network Analyst & Performance Specialists was also reported in the region.

About the Randstad Technologies/IBM Canadian IT Staffing Outlook
The study is the third annual survey and covered over 200 top-level business decision makers, from organizations of all sizes, for information regarding IT staffing trends and projections. The study was conducted between October 4, 2011 and November 18, 2011. To obtain a copy of the full report contact your Account Manager today.

About Randstad Technologies: Sapphire Canada is the country's largest provider of IT staffing solutions, offering permanent and contract opportunities across all roles, levels and platforms. To find out what it's like to work with a staffing partner that really delivers, call 1.800.540.3594 or visit randstadtechnologies.ca.

About Randstad Canada: Randstad Canada is the Canadian leader for staffing, recruitment and HR Services. As the only fully integrated staffing company in the country, we understand the recruitment needs and demands of employers and job seekers across all levels and industries. Through our insightful knowledge of local markets, employment trends and global network of recruitment experts, we are shaping the Canadian world of work. Visit randstad.ca

About IBM: For more on IBM please visit www.ibm.com/ca

Dayana Moreno
Marie-Noelle Morency

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416.962.9578 x2317
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