ICT SKILLS - ALWAYS IN DEMAND AND PAY WELL!

Want a career that is fun, dynamic, pays well and is always in demand? Want a career where being young is an advantage? Want to advance quickly? Look no further than Information and Communications Technology (ICT). If you like computers, enjoy problem solving and can handle a fast-paced job environment, then ICT might be the profession for you.

Careers in the ICT industry involve many jobs and a variety of skills. From managing large computer systems to designing applications and software and other communications technologies, ICT is a part of everyone's lives.

If you're instant messaging your friends, surfing the internet from your computer or texting your friends, then you are using information communications technology.

The NZICT Group is an industry association made up of more than 70 leading local and global ICT companies. It released a recent survey, titled ‘ICT industry skills gaps and ultra-fast broadband rollout skill requirements'. Almost half of the companies surveyed with 100 or more staff have difficulties recruiting technical staff. Specific areas with a skills shortage are predicted to be network architects, designers, engineers and telecommunications technicians. Bachelor degrees in any discipline are the most sought after qualification for management and sales or marketing roles; while for technical roles, industry certification and ICT-related bachelor degrees are equally sought.

Check out these numbers:

• 83% of companies say that recruitment difficulties have a major to medium impact on their business.
• 50% or more companies are planning to appoint new technical staff.

No doubt about it, ICT is the choice for people who want an exciting and rewarding career. And it is only going to get better.

You've probably heard about the government's Ultra-Fast Broadband Rollout. But they can't do it without you! Forty-two percent of the companies surveyed thought there would be a serious shortage of skilled people to actually do the work. And once the broadband network is up and running, there will be many more opportunities for ICT staff as companies take advantage of all the possibilities that nationwide broadband will provide.

Still not convinced? According to the latest ICT salary survey (conducted by ICT recruitment firm absoluteIT and released in October) software architects are some of the most highly paid ICT workers in the industry with salaries ranging from $99k through to $156k, while management positions range from $85k to $133k. ICT contractors earn a median hourly rate of $70 per hour! And the total value of overall employment packages is $75.5k per year.

To get into this exciting field you need education, training and as with any job, a good attitude. If this sounds like you ask  the careers councillor at school about a career in ICT or have a look on the web and see what New Zealand ICT companies are doing and what they can offer.