A Digital Transformation Catalyst
Europe and the technology industry have been gaining momentum over the past decade. While unemployment in many European Union countries has seen a significant increase, it’s the Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) sector that has stood out for its unstoppable rise. ICT jobs in the region have flourished at an exceptional pace, outpacing overall employment growth sevenfold, as reflected in the recent Digital Talent Overview 2023 study conducted by Mobile World Capital Barcelona.
Over the last decade, Europe has witnessed a transformation where digitalization has permeated every aspect of our lives, revolutionizing the way we work, communicate, and interact. ICT jobs have emerged as the primary drivers of this digital revolution, leaving a significant mark on the European economy and society.
In this post, we’ll discuss the positive data and figures revealing the extraordinary growth of ICT employment in Europe, as well as the importance of continuous training. We’ll explore how this acceleration has led to the creation of 9.3 million ICT jobs, representing a significant portion of total employment on the continent, and which countries are leading in digital talent relative to their population.
IT Sector ensures essential quality jobs
Unlike other sectors, jobs in the IT environment have remained a secure employment bet. Some roles, such as AI Machine Learning Specialist or Information Security Analyst, show an exclusively positive job creation rate for 2023 to 2027, with an increase close to 50%.
Artificial Intelligence plays a pivotal role in these forecasts, as engineers and experts in this field will be indispensable in the full development of this technology. On the other end of the spectrum, and to a lesser extent, we find mechanical skills like “Data Entry Clerks”, being the roles with higher possibilities of automation due to advancements in AI technologies, thus having a much higher job destruction forecast.
Lifelong learning: most demanded skills for reskilling
In the coming years, the World Economic Forum highlights the need for a strong commitment to continuous skill development for reskilling in a changing and constantly evolving sector like ICT. Certain skills stand out, such as AI and Big Data, Analytical Thinking, or Creative Thinking, which will be crucial in the coming years, with a demand rate near or above 50%. Many other skills like programming, technological literacy, or knowledge in networks, cybersecurity, and Cloud will also be key for reskilling.
The Most In-Demand Programming Languages
According to TalentUp, Python remains the most demanded programming language with more than a 16% global share, ahead of JavaScript and well ahead of increasingly less prominent languages like PHP, Android, or iOS. The advancement of technology and the role of AI may eventually modify the current landscape, but it’s important to consider the current trend for effective positioning in the sector’s job market.
The Impact of AI on Businesses
AI appears to be here to stay, as demonstrated by the McKinsey study “The State of AI in 2022”, which publishes a survey on the adoption of various forms of AI in different organizations, reflecting the rising trend in the use of this technology for different business units or functions.
The ICT sector’s job market is subject to significant changes and technological revolutions that alter the priorities and needs of companies when hiring qualified personnel in this field. The emergence of advanced and generative AI has brought about a radical change in the skills and competencies demanded by the sector.
However, the forecasted hiring of talent for the coming years continues to rise exponentially. Those looking for a professional future within the sector must bear in mind that not only technical skills will be important for reskilling, but also the significance of “soft” skills such as analytical, creative, and leadership abilities, which will be essential for success.
In conclusion, these data confirm the importance of continuous training in this sector, something PUE has been committed to for 25 years, working with the most cutting-edge technologies in the market. Companies that offer a learning plan to their employees will better retain their team. If you also think now is the perfect time for training, you can learn about our training offerings here.
Our Data Sentinels initiative
At PUE, we train people who want to join our 100% certified technical team. Moreover, we do so with the highest guarantees of success as we ensure a minimum of 60% hiring for those who complete the courses with success.
We have developed two training pathways for two of the most currently in-demand positions in the sector:
- Big Data Developer
- Big Data Administrator
We recently completed the first edition of this initiative, incorporating 7 administrators and 10 Big Data developers into our team. We will soon launch new editions.