Shortage of IT professionals persists despite industry growth

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Due to the increase in digitization and the rising need for cybersecurity, the demand for ICT professionals continues to grow. Despite the rise in the number of IT professionals entering the job market, there has been a persistent shortage since 2018. How is it possible that the number of IT professionals keeps increasing while there is still a shortage of IT experts?

Number of IT professionals is on the rise

There are approximately 552,000 IT specialists active in the Netherlands. They work in various sectors, including government institutions, financial entities, healthcare, and IT companies. Remarkably, since the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic, the number of employed IT experts has increased by 39%. Additionally, the number of IT professionals unemployed since 2018 has significantly decreased.

Rising demand for IT professionals

An increasing number of sectors rely on IT expertise. Due to advancing digitization and the growing threat of cyberattacks, the demand for IT professionals is expected to continue growing in the coming years. Especially the demand for software developers and security experts shows an upward trend.

Consequences of the shortage of IT professionals

The demand for IT specialists is still growing faster than the number of employed IT professionals. There has been a shortage of IT experts for more than 5 years now. This scarcity is a major concern for employers. According to ING Research, over 44% of them consider the lack of personnel as an impediment to business growth.

Shortage of professionals forces employers to think differently

Employers are primarily seeking highly qualified candidates with up-to-date IT knowledge who are willing to work full-time. However, such candidates are difficult to find. Applicants often lack sufficient expertise or relevant work experience. Many IT vacancies have a specialized nature, causing even recent graduates to not meet employers’ requirements. Employers must therefore adjust their criteria more frequently.

With the shortage of experienced specialists, employers have an opportunity to attract and train entry-level IT professionals internally. The advantage of this young generation is their awareness of the latest developments and their ability to quickly master technical challenges.

Need personalized advice?

Are you an employer looking for IT professionals but also experiencing the drawbacks of the market shortage? Get advice from one of our Business Managers. Each of them specializes in their own field and can tell you all about the latest developments in the job market. This will give you, as an employer, a realistic view of the market and increase your chances of finding the right professional.