Cloud computing is a hot topic in the IT industry at the moment, with this way of working seeing significant growth at a seemingly accelerating pace. Whilst far from being a new technology (the concept of cloud has existing in a variety of forms since the 1950’s), it is one seeing new focus from businesses – driven into the mainstream public eye by high profile companies such as Apple, NetFlix, and PayPal.
Despite the exponential growth of cloud, new research from specialist IT recruitment site CWJobs.co.uk, has indicated that over two thirds (71%) of tech professionals are unsure of how to get skilled up in this growing discipline, despite clearly seeing the opportunities a career in cloud could bring.
Benefits to business are apparent:
With so many companies based around the globe and continuing to diversify to new locations, using a cloud framework helps different branches of the same organisation streamline their operations, allowing a document produced in Japan to be available to read in New York, instantly and easily.
Whilst cloud can assist businesses in consolidating their operations, the rise of its prominence means it is also having huge benefits for IT professionals. Over half (57%) of those surveyed by CWJobs believe that cloud has had a positive impact on the jobs market; potentially creating new positions that can boost the IT recruitment market.
Skills gaps in cloud mean lost careers opportunities:
Professionals can see the growth and resulting benefits of a career in this speciality. Despite less than half of professionals currently having experience in cloud (45%), two thirds plan to gain skills that could assist in a career working with this growing area (61%). Almost three quarters of them however, do not know how they can gain these skills (71%).
Professionals’ lack of skills is an issue that Britain’s technology sector needs to address, particularly as career opportunities in cloud are likely to be on the increase, with 71% of industry insiders stating that they think there will be more jobs that require cloud-computing skills in the future.
In response, over half of professionals are seeking to gain new skills (51%) and experience in cloud, to enhance their employability and capitalise on the growth of cloud. This was supported by 52% of professionals who think having skills in cloud will make them more attractive to an employer.
Those looking to break into cloud computing should look at their existing skills set and think about how they can develop it to help with a career in this discipline. Skills in cloud can stem from existing knowledge in analysis, security and management, and it seems cracking cloud is about expanding pre-existing skills and experience to get traction in the sector.
Cloud will continue to boost the industry:
Cloud is having a positive impact on the IT job market and the majority of professionals think there will be more jobs requiring cloud-computing skills in the future.
The value of developments in cloud will be lost unless the industry works to provide greater opportunities for training and development. With the expected growth of cloud in mind, addressing this skills-gap is important to ensure Britain’s position as a leader in the technology industry, and to support businesses as they look to modernise and streamline their operations in a tough economic climate.
About the Author:
Richard Nott | @CwJobsUk | CwJobs
Richard Nott is Website Director at CWJobs.co.uk and has worked with the company for 14 years.
CWJobs.co.uk is the leading specialist IT recruitment website serving contract and permanent IT jobseekers throughout the UK and Ireland. The site draws over 509,000 unique users each month, attracted by the opportunity to search an average of more than 10,000 IT job opportunities at any one time.
