The tech sector has been crucial in aiding the UK recover after the economic crisis and it’s predicted to continue being one of the main drivers of economic growth in the UK. However, demand in key areas of IT such as security, software and systems engineering, is simply not being met with the current supply of talent.

Although the government, educational institutions and businesses are starting to address the shortfall, there will be no quick fixes. In the time it’s predicted it will take to address the shortfall, the tech landscape will look very different and prospective employees will be required to have different skills.

Leading technology jobs in the future

News surrounding breaches have dominated recent headlines and it’s showing no signs of stopping. As a result, jobs in cyber-security, data analytics and business intelligence are set to increase over the next five to ten years.

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Companies will be looking to invest in better data protection strategies, as well as individuals whose primary job will be to safeguard company information.

The emerging role of the chief data/digital officer brings a focus on delivering growth strategies through innovative use of technology coupled with the power of knowledge gained through analytics.

At the CxO level, these roles require a blend of business expertise and an understanding of how to apply technology to secure a business advantage in today’s dynamic, global economy.

Specialisation of skills in technology

As the IT industry converges into specific branches such as cloud, data and security, skills in these areas will continue to be sought after. Specific skills in the above areas will be attractive to employers, but it will make good sense to have a blend of skills.

In a competitive market, there will always be a challenge to do more with less budget and technologies, and how they address business issues and opportunities are rarely mutually exclusive.

All IT professionals, regardless of specialisation, will need a strong foundation of cyber security and data governance knowledge, in order to mitigate risk and adhere to compliance and regulation relevant to their employer and industry sector.

Education and new training

The education system in the UK is lagging behind those in the rest of Europe, with countries such as Germany and Sweden leading the charge. There should a greater emphasis in the UK on teaching IT skills from a young age, starting in primary schools and high school.

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As future IT jobs will demand a granular knowledge of big data and cloud, University courses will need to offer practical experience in these areas. One way to do this is through apprenticeships sponsored by large companies that can provide on-the-job training, combining theory and practical knowledge.

The latter is ideal for those looking for jobs in IT, as individuals can become familiar with a company’s practices and operations as well as the industry in which it is based.

Without access to a constantly growing and evolving talent pool, business growth and innovation will stall. Together, the government, educational establishments and businesses as a whole have a shared responsibility to support and invest in a new wave of talent. This will not only help in creating jobs and optimism, but will positively impact the UK’s ability to continue to play a leading role in the global economy.

Sourced from Ian Parslow, SVP, MTI Technology