Is the Demand for IT Skills Rising?

With every year that passes, the technology field seems to be an increasingly growing industry. Not only is the IT industry itself becoming larger and more significant, but the lines have begun to blur, as technological advancement infiltrates and becomes an integral facet of most other fields. Is the demand for IT skills rising? Certainly! And at an incredible rate.

Where are these IT skills needed?

IT skills and the need for IT training are in hot demand within the current job market, and have become a necessity in nearly every industry. As technology branches into all industries (and, as a result, businesses have grown) there has been a marked increase in the availability of IT related positions. Hiring trends in 2014 suggested that the most in-demand areas include big data, cloud computing, security, and mobile technology.

Within big business, the need for security amidst a large technological infrastructure has become paramount. IT professionals with top security skills will be in great demand for these expanding businesses. Big data goes hand in hand with security skills. With the advent of cloud computing, businesses have begun to amass large amounts of company and customer data. This requires the skills of outstanding data administrators and security professionals who can make sure the company’s data is well-protected from security infiltrations or technical failures.

In businesses of all kinds, the need for IT support and helpdesk professionals will also be in high demand. Major corporations with massive networks and hundreds of users will require the support of IT experts, ready to help, fix, and patch. IT training is also a field which is seeing much growth, as employees may require extensive training and assistance in using new software. IT training for IT professionals will also increase, as this mass of new jobs will require pros to constantly brush up on their existing skills and keep abreast of new technological advancements.

What further skills will be in demand?

Top IT industry professionals suggest that the following should be part of IT skills development for the current environment:

• An understanding of higher-level languages like Java, Ruby, and Python SQL, HTML, C#/C++, ASP.Net and XML
• Mobile development such as iOS, Android, and Sencha
• Big data development skills-storage and analysis
• Video and graphic editing
• Agile
• Experience with NoSQL databases: Cassandra, MongoDB and Redis
• HTML5 programming
• IT certifications

These skills represent what skills are currently in great demand for IT professionals as well as what skills would help job seekers get an edge in the competitive and vastly changing market. Working towards and achieving IT certifications is not necessary to gainful employment in the field, but may increase the salary of an IT professional.

Keep Learning

There can be no doubt that IT is one of the fastest growing industries, and careers within this realm are exploding. To keep up with the rapid changes and developments, constant training and honing of these specialised skills will be necessary to remain competitive. It seems there is always something new to learn and discover in the IT field, so to be successful within IT, perhaps the most important skill is a dedication and willingness to learn, grow, and improve.

Can Technology Be Taught?

The widespread acceptance and integration of technology into our society may indeed be the proof needed to counter the argument: “you can’t teach an old dog new tricks.” As technology has grown in its importance and impact in our world, it seems that virtually everyone has adapted and picked up this new and ever-changing set of skills. But not everyone so easily adapts. Though it may not seem like it in the face of technological domination, many individuals do not readily grasp these new ideas or quickly acquire the necessary skills. Not everyone who deals with technology possesses an aptitude for it. This leads to the ultimate question: can technology be taught?

Technology Skills are Like Any Skills

Learning any new skill can be overwhelming at first, particularly if you have no basis of knowledge from which to begin. To help learners or trainees grasp new technology, no matter how basic, a process of teaching through step-by-step instructions is always vital. Technology and its accompanying principles can often be vague and abstract, so breaking it down into its more digestible parts can be extremely helpful.

When working with someone with a very scarce base in technological knowledge, be prepared to cover and explain primary concepts, and provide lots of details for how elements fit together. Many learners approach new concepts by first understanding the big picture. When dealing with something as massive and elusive as technology, moving from big picture concepts to smaller details can help make learning a breeze.

Technology as a Learning Tool

Not only can technology be taught, but technology in all its forms has brought about the development of products which are incredible learning tools. In schools around the world, students are making the shift to learning with iPads, tablets, and other gadgets, and have been working with computers for many years already. Technology is a wonderful vehicle to help instruct students, and the interactive nature of these items can help facilitate learning in a new and beneficial way.

In terms of teaching technology, there is no better way to learn technology than by using the concepts practically, working with technological items as you go. A remarkable amount of knowledge and skills can be achieved when one has plenty of time to explore a computer or other advice, discovering the ways in which it functions. Hands-on, real experience is probably the best method available for teaching technology.

The Importance of a Good Teacher

Amidst all the brilliant technology and excellent training programs, nothing can replace the value of a quality instructor when it comes to learning. At IIT Training, we utilise blended training methods to maximise the learning of our clients. Blended methods cater to a variety of learning styles, and also force the trainees brain to adapt and learn in new ways--to better accept the new skills and absorb fresh information. When training, an expert instructor will assist with this blended training. The instructor can guide you to best understand the new programs, materials, or technology, allowing for plenty of practice, discussion, and feedback. The support of a qualified teacher in the area of technology is very important to promote an optimal learning environment.

4 Elements of Successful Training

When training employees or other individuals on a new system, with new technology, or using new methods, there can often be some challenges. Grasping material of the IT persuasion can be difficult for some, especially those who may be intimidated by advanced technology. Never fear, however, for there are many ways to make the training process a whole lot smoother, resulting in all around success.

1. Clear, concise language.

When training for a new skill, particularly for understanding of a more complex IT system, it is vital that the training occur in clear and concise language. Training involves boosting the abilities of individuals of ALL skill levels. When teaching something such as a computer program or how to understand new equipment and technology, it's most helpful to use the most basic language as possible. Often, this is referred to as "layman's terms." Teaching IT skills in particular requires this tactful sort of presentation, as concepts in this realm can be confusing for many. When training employees to utilise new software, this type of language is best, and an approachable teaching style can be augmented by written guidebooks or handbooks detailing all steps of a procedure in more extensive, easier to grasp, detail.

2. A variety of methods.

People learn in all different ways. Because of this, any training program must be undertaken with plenty of time and resources available for further discussion and processing. While many are visual learners and can absorb material fully through reading and visuals, others are auditory learners, who will need to process new information through hearing and possibly through repetition. Still more are those who best learn through discussion, examining the new material and concepts from different angles and looking at various scenarios and circumstances. Some learners grasp the bigger picture first, then moving on to sift through the details, while others must learn in a detail-oriented, step-by-step manner which leads them successfully to embrace the larger concept as a whole. Successful training should cater to, and allow for all these methods of learning.

3. Encourage questions and discussion.

Even the fastest learners will have questions. Training in IT can be overwhelming for many, as new technology can feel awkward and unfamiliar. For your trainees to grow most comfortable with their new skills, it is necessary to encourage frequent questions and discussion. In a blended training approach, the trainees can access further information, guides, or discussion groups facilitated by knowledgeable individuals, online or in person. Having these resources available can greatly enhance the training process, leading to faster knowledge and skills acquisition and improved overall efficiency.

4. Ongoing learning.

Learning is a process. When taking on a new skill in the world of technology, it's important to remind trainees that developing new skills and understanding takes time. As skills grow and improve, further questions may arise. Problem-solving abilities will be gained in the face of errors, issues, or malfunction, and a focus on ongoing learning can help ease these obstacles through a smoother transition. As employees train, it will be necessary for them to have access to continued support, whether for database and program troubleshooting, or if and when they encounter an issue of confusion or make an error. Ongoing learning helps everyone in the workplace continually build on their existing knowledge, which improves efficiency and productivity and ultimately contributes to an overall sense of teamwork and excellence.