Morgan McKinley’s Global Technology Trend Report 2013 looks at talent requirements and recruitment in the tech sector worldwide, and finds that there’s a lack of qualified local talent in Ireland.
The report stems from three months of qualitative research, anecdotal evidence and feedback from consultants in eight countries: Australia, China, France, Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore, the UK and Ireland. It aims to provide advice for career-movers, as well as business managers and recruiters.
Globally, structural change in the IT landscape is stimulating demand for tech talent, but recruitment budgets remain static or in decline. Mobile is the top specialist area driving demand in some markets, but its influence is expected to diminish in future. Other sought-after areas include big data and analytics, traditional on-premise ERP and data centre management.
Multi-faceted skills required
Project management is an important skill across the board and the report claims there are plenty of opportunities in Ireland for individuals with the right combination of IT skills and experience with project management and problem-solving.
Tech professionals with experience in data centre management and mobile technologies see the highest demand in Ireland, followed by developers and quality assurance (QA) engineers for software and online development projects. There has also been a sharp increase in demand for user interface and user experience professionals.
However, finding suitable candidates with these skills proves a challenge for Irish recruiters, and many are turning to tap the European talent pool, even for senior positions.
Finding talent elsewhere
While more tech companies continue to invest in Irish operations and the education system fails to produce well-rounded candidates, a window of opportunity has opened for graduates from elsewhere in Europe, the report claims.
It then goes on to recommend that recruiters consider looking beyond the EU, as our fast and efficient work visa system for highly skilled technology candidates makes this an easy option.
That said, the report also alludes to a new generation of locally educated talent ready to enter the market from heavily subscribed IT conversion courses.
