WelTec students survey ICT skill shortages

WelTec students survey ICT skill shortages.

Recent research findings, as compiled by students of The Wellington Institute of Technology’s Business Course, have identified that Wellington’s ICT sector seems largely unaffected by speculated skill shortages.

In a bid to highlight potential hindrances to growth in the sector and encourage continued public and private sector collaboration, Positively Wellington Business commissioned the WelTec students to conduct a detailed skill survey within the Wellington region.

Research included quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews with over 120 companies, accounting for about 2,500 of the regions ICT employees. Organisations taking part in the in-depth interviews included Dept of Labour, Fujitsu, Gen-I, IBM, Telecom and Transpower.

Key findings concluded that while ICT skills are in strong demand, jobs are typically filled within 3 months, and that a lack of ICT skills is not currently seen as a constraint to company growth. A strong demand for programmers/analysts, support technicians, software designers and programme/programme managers was identified, however 40% of those surveyed predicted that there would be increased future demand for web design skills.

Backing current recruitment trends, only 28% of those jobs filled in the last 12 months were advertised in the newspaper, 31% advertised through agencies with the remaining 58% of the jobs filled by referrals.

Those surveyed looked mainly to the Wellington region to fill their vacancies but also spoke of positive experiences in hiring migrants, with many employers expecting to recruit more returning expatriates and overseas migrants to fill future vacancies.

Results of the survey confirmed that tertiary institutions offer excellent theoretical content, some doubt however was raised as to whether tertiary institutions provide the right practical and technical skills. With a lack of practical experience the most prevalent complaint.

Positively Wellington Business CEO Blair McRae was impressed with the calibre of the student reports and believes the findings will enable his organisation to work more closely with industry and training organisations to develop solutions to address those areas of concern highlighted.

“ It is a fantastic opportunity for these students to get practical business experience, and a chance for us to further cement our commitment to the education providers in the wider Wellington region”

“The results will enable us to tailor our programmes to better suit the needs of the ICT community ”

Robin Stone, Head of School of Business and Enterprise at WelTec says “Our aim is to provide practical and technical skills that are industry relevant. The survey is tangible evidence of this in action.”

Positively Wellington Business would like to thank WelTec, and those companies who took part in the survey for their co-operation.

ENDS

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