Network and infrastructure roles are evolving as organizations embrace advanced technologies such as AI-driven network operations, multicloud networking, zero trust network access (ZTNA), and SD-WAN. Below is a summary of the latest research, employment data, and trends in certifications affecting network professionals, infrastructure and operations leaders, and data center personnel. Stay tuned for more regular updates.
IT employment decreased by .05% in August, resulting in a reduction of 2,400 jobs from the previous month, as noted by TechServe Alliance’s review of the high-tech employment sector. Annually, the IT job market declined by .33%, equating to a reduction of 17,500 jobs. However, on a brighter note, engineering roles experienced an increase of more than 1% over the past year, with 29,800 jobs added during this period.
“With the overall job market cooling down in August, IT employment has struggled to build momentum,” commented Mark Roberts, CEO of TechServe, in a statement. “Throughout 2024, the IT employment growth has been virtually stagnant, following 23 consecutive months of job losses. I anticipate that IT employment will continue to remain static until the uncertainties surrounding the economy, the national election, and ongoing global challenges are resolved.”
September 2024
It is becoming increasingly essential to provide employee education and training on AI as recent studies highlight a significant gap in the ability of employees to utilize the technology effectively in their roles.
As detailed in the 2024 Digital Work Trends Report by Slingshot, a staggering 77% of employees feel they lack comprehensive training on the AI resources provided by their employers. Similarly, only 27% of managers believe that their employees are fully trained in these tools.
The study, carried out by Dynata in the second quarter of 2024 involving 253 participants, also highlighted the hindrances to successful AI integration, such as the absence of AI specialists within organizations and poor-quality data. Specifically, 64% revealed their organizations do not have AI experts, restricting the availability of AI tools, while another 45% cited substandard data as a primary reason for not implementing AI in their workplaces. Furthermore, lack of necessary technological infrastructure is another barrier mentioned for the underutilization of AI in certain sectors.
Concerns about data also resonate strongly among employees regarding AI, with 33% of employers acknowledging that refining company data for accuracy would make them AI-ready, and 32% indicating a need for further training concerning data and AI for their readiness, according to the report.
September 2024
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) recently published the latest figures on employment, revealing a continuing decline in the ratio of job openings per unemployed person, which suggests a probable increase in unemployment rates.
Recent BLS Job Openings and Labor Turnover Summary (JOLTS) figures show there were 7.7 million job openings at the end of July, with hires at 5.5 million and “separations” climbing to 5.4 million. Separations, which totaled 3.3 million, include quits, layoffs, and discharges, accounting for 1.8 million over the same period. According to expert analysis, these figures foreshadow worsening unemployment issues in the country.
“The labor market has not only cooled down from its pre-pandemic levels, it has sunk below them,” stated a report from the Indeed Hiring Lab regarding the BLS data. “We’ve moved past mere moderation to a trend of deterioration in the labor market.”
For IT professionals, the BLS data indicates that jobs in the high tech industry might see a slight increase by 5,000 positions in 2024. However, this growth will not be sufficient to compensate for the higher number of unemployed IT workers, which Janco Associates estimates at about 145,000.
“According to the most recent analysis of BLS data, there are currently about 4.18 million IT jobs in the US. Continual layoffs at major tech companies are having a negative impact on overall IT employment. Major technology corporations are further reducing staff to improve their financial results. Companies recently announcing new job cuts include Intel, Microsoft, and Google,” noted M. Victor Janulaitis, CEO of Janco. “Meanwhile, BLS data suggest that while approximately 81,000 IT professionals were recruited, about 147,000 were actively seeking employment in June. Our projections indicate a similar situation for July and August.”
September 2024
Technology professionals looking to certify their expertise in data science now have the opportunity through CompTIA’s DataX certification program.
CompTIA’s new addition to the Xpert Series, the DataX program, was developed with insights from data professionals across various sectors. It emphasizes essential skills for data scientists, including mathematics and statistics; analysis and modeling; operations; machine learning; and specific data science applications. Geared towards professionals with over five years of experience, DataX aims to bridge gaps in knowledge and update learners on advanced topics.
“Achieving CompTIA DataX certification signifies a professional’s dedication to data science excellence,” commented Teresa Sears, senior VP of product management at CompTIA, in a statement. “The program certifies high-level analytical skills crucial for boosting efficiency, reducing risks, and increasing data value for businesses.”
August 2024
In a strategic move, CompTIA has partnered with Gebeya Inc. This partnership will expand access to CompTIA’s extensive IT and technology courses throughout Africa, enabling locals to pursue IT training and certifications directly through CompTIA.
Gebeya, a Pan-African talent cloud technology provider, aims to “close the digital skills gap and drive digital transformation across Africa.” By partnering with CompTIA, they are enhancing the capabilities of future tech professionals in Africa. “Our strategic partnership with CompTIA enables the incorporation of a robust skilling module within the Gebeya Talent Cloud. This provides our clients and partners unparalleled access to top-tier IT training and certifications,” stated Amadou Daffe, CEO of Gebeya, in a statement.
CompTIA offers IT certifications that are vendor-neutral, addressing the core aspects of various IT roles. Their course library is designed to keep individuals updated with crucial tech skills and improve technical expertise globally.
“Our collective goal is to mitigate the digital skills void in Africa,” mentioned Benjamin Ndambuki, CompTIA’s territory development representative for Africa, in a statement. “Through Gebeya’s widespread influence and localized knowledge coupled with CompTIA’s internationally acknowledged certifications, we are poised to support a new cadre of African tech professionals to excel in the digital era.”
August 2024
New data released from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) indicates a significant overestimate in previously reported job growth figures. The agency discovered that 818,000 fewer jobs had been added over the year ending in March 2024 than initially thought. This revelation, along with reports from Indeed indicating a gradual rise in the unemployment rate, has intensified concerns about a potential recession.
According to Indeed’s Hiring Lab, the unemployment rate has increased by .55 percentage points on a three-month average, up from a low of 3.5% in January 2023. Despite these unsettling statistics, Indeed maintains a stance of “cautious optimism” regarding the U.S. labor market, bolstered by the availability of job postings and continued wage growth, which could draw more individuals into the labor force.
Indeed further notes, “The presence of numerous job opportunities, coupled with persistently strong wage growth—though off its recent highs—remains comparable to levels seen before the pandemic,” as promising signals for labor force engagement.
August 2024
The semiconductor industry could be facing a major labor shortage as the rate of industry growth has surpassed the number of qualified workers available in the US. A recent analysis by McKinsey & Company indicates that both public and private investments in the US semiconductor sector are projected to reach over $250 billion by 2032, and are expected to create more than 160,000 new positions in engineering and technical support within the field. This uptick in jobs occurs alongside a substantial 43% reduction in the US’s domestic semiconductor manufacturing workforce since its apex in 2000, suggesting a potential struggle to secure adequate staffing. By 2029, the shortage of engineers and technicians is predicted to be as high as 146,000 individuals according to the study.
August 2024
New resources for career development from CompTIA aim to educate individuals about specific technical roles and help them customize a career path that fits their skills and experiences.
“Too many people are unaware of what it entails to work in tech, which leads to fear, or misconceptions that the jobs are dull or excessively challenging,” expressed Todd Thibodeaux, President and CEO of CompTIA, in a statement. “Our goal is to shed light on the exciting career opportunities in tech, reassure individuals of their potential success in such roles, and equip them with the necessary knowledge and expertise to excel.”
Among the new resources is CompTIA Career Explorer, which the nonprofit organization says will help professionals tailor a career path that aligns with their workstyles and lifestyles. With the tool, jobseekers can test drive “a day in the life of specific job roles and challenge themselves with real-time, true-to-life problem solving” related to the jobs.
CompTIA Career+ will provide users with an immersive, interactive video experience that “showcases a day in the life of in-demand job roles,” according to CompTIA. This resource will feature up to 30 job roles, representing about 90% of all tech occupations.
The organization announced the new resources at its CompTIA ChannelCon and Partner Summit conference. “We want people to associate CompTIA with the competencies and skills to work in technology,” Thibodeaux said.
August 2024
A new study conducted by Germany-based biotechnology provider Cytena shows that California provides the highest average salaries in the U.S. for those working in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) professions.
Cytena analyzed salary data for more than 75 STEM jobs listed on company review website Glassdoor to determine which states in the U.S. paid the most for technology talent. California ranks first with an average salary of $124,937 across all the jobs in the study, which included positions ranging from medical professionals to mathematicians and data scientists to network and software engineers. Washington state placed a close second with the average annual salary falling just below $124,000, and New York landed in third place with an average annual salary of $114,437. Following the top three, Nevada, Maryland, Massachusetts, Idaho, Hawaii, Colorado, and Connecticut rounded out the top ten states in the U.S. that pay the highest salaries for STEM-related positions.
July 2024
Friday, July 26 marks the 25th annual System Administrator Appreciation Day. Always celebrated on the last Friday in July, SysAdmin Day recognizes IT professionals who spend their days ensuring organizations and the infrastructure supporting them run smoothly. Some may say it is a thankless job, which is why Ted Kekatos created the day to honor the men and women working to install and configure hardware and software, manage networks and technology tools, help end users, and monitor the performance of the entire environment.
Network and systems administrators handle numerous complaint calls and resolve issues for end users, often without being thanked for how significantly they assist their colleagues. Known as the unsung heroes of IT, sysadmins are rightfully celebrated on this dedicated day—perhaps even deserving small tokens of appreciation for their extensive hours and unseen efforts.
July 2024
NetBrain Technologies recently launched its Network Automation Certification Program, aimed at honoring engineers who possess sophisticated network automation capabilities. The program is designed to allow network engineers to prove their skills and effectively share their competencies, as stated by NetBrain. The first assessments for this program are scheduled for October 3, subsequent to the NetBrain Live Conference in Boston.
NetBrain’s website presently displays three different network automation certifications.
July 2024
Skillsoft announced a partnership with Microsoft to launch the AI Skill Accelerator program. This initiative aims to enable organizations to enhance their workforce’s proficiency with Microsoft’s AI technologies, including Copilot and Azure Open AI, and more broadly with generative AI technologies. The primary objective is to boost business productivity and drive innovation through the effective use of genAI applications.
“Our partnership with Microsoft marks the commencement of various AI-centric educational initiatives we plan to introduce to support our clients and their workforce, from day-to-day users to business leaders and AI developers, in acquiring essential skills and tools to thrive in the AI era,” stated Ron Hovsepian, executive chair at Skillsoft, in a press release. The need for enhanced AI skills is underscored by findings from Skillsoft’s annual IT Skills and Salary report, which surveyed 5,700 tech professionals globally, revealing that 43% believe their team’s AI competencies are lacking.
The AI Skill Accelerator program by Skillsoft offers a comprehensive learning approach, incorporating on-demand courses, personalized coaching, live training led by instructors, and practical experience through hands-on labs. Skillsoft claims that this program will empower participants to:
“Microsoft and Skillsoft have a long-standing relationship and share a common goal to enable AI transformation across every area of business,” said Jeana Jorgensen, corporate vice president of worldwide learning at Microsoft, in a statement. “This learning experience is designed to empower individuals and organizations to harness the full capabilities of generative AI, Microsoft Copilot, and Microsoft’s AI apps and services.”
July 2024
Data from IT employment trackers shows that the technology industry added more than 7,500 new workers in June, while at the same time the overall unemployment rate for IT pros increased.
According to CompTIA, the tech industry added some 7,540 new workers in June, which marks the biggest monthly increase so far this year. CompTIA’s analysis of U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data also shows that the positive growth was offset by a loss of 22,000 tech occupations throughout the U.S. economy. “Despite pockets of growth, the recent data indicates a degree of downward pressure on tech employment,” said Tim Herbert, chief research officer, CompTIA, in a statement. “A combination of factors, including AI FOMO, likely contributes to segments of employers taking a wait and see approach with tech hiring.”
According to a recent report by Janco Associates, the unemployment rate for IT professionals in June rose to 5.9%, surpassing the national average of 4.1%. They noted an increase of 7,700 IT jobs in May 2024, but highlighted a skills mismatch in the sector, with available IT professionals not meeting the training and experience requirements of job postings. Despite 78,000 IT professionals being hired, 147,000 are still seeking employment. Read more here.
July 2024
CompTIA has recently updated its Network+ certification, broadening its coverage to include a deeper understanding of modern network environments, physical network installations, and enhanced network security and hardening. The latest Network+ exam, N10-009, now also includes sections on software-defined networking (SDN), SD-WAN, and introduces Infrastructure as Code (IaC), which uses code to manage and provision computing infrastructure more efficiently.
The updated Network+ certification now includes zero-trust architecture and additional security measures. Further details are available in the full article: CompTIA updates Network+ certification
June 2024
Amazon Web Services (AWS) has introduced two new certifications focused on artificial intelligence for IT professionals aiming to enhance their abilities and pursue AI-related positions. These new qualifications are projected to aid professionals in securing positions that demand advanced AI skills, potentially leading to a 47% increase in IT salaries, as reported by an AWS study.
AWS Certified AI Practitioner is a beginner-level program that certifies understanding of AI, machine learning (ML), and generative AI concepts and applications, according to AWS. Participants acquainted with AI/ML technologies on AWS who tackle a 120-minute, 85-question course will enhance their knowledge on crucial topics like prompt engineering, responsible AI, as well as security and compliance for AI systems.
AWS Certified Machine Learning Engineer—Associate is a 170-minute exam consisting of 85 questions designed to verify the technical skills necessary for implementing and managing ML workloads in production environments. Ideal candidates should have a minimum of one year of practice with Amazon SageMaker and other AWS services related to ML engineering. The examination topics include data preparation for ML models, feature engineering, model training, security, among others.
Enrollment for the new AWS certifications will start on August 13.
June 2024
The latest AI certification from Cisco is intended to equip IT professionals with the skills to design, provision, and optimize networks and systems for advanced AI/ML workloads. Announced at the Cisco Live event in Las Vegas, the Cisco Certified Design Expert (CCDE)-AI Infrastructure certification is a high-level, vendor-neutral certification. This certification ensures that technology professionals are proficient in crafting network architectures that support AI workloads, taking into account AI-specific business requirements such as cost optimization, power considerations, and the alignment of computational power and cloud resources with environmental impact considerations, as noted by Par Merat, vice president of Cisco Learning and Certifications, in a blog post.
As per information from Cisco, the newly introduced CCDE-AI Infrastructure certification covers various significant aspects such as GPU optimization design and the creation of advanced generative AI network frameworks. This certification also delves into the sustainability and compliance aspects of AI-supportive networks. A critical necessity for these skills is highlighted by Cisco AI Readiness Index, stating that 90% of organizations are actively investing in battling the AI skills shortage. Read more about it here.
June 2024
The quest for capable cybersecurity professionals continues as businesses face a supply shortage of skilled workers that will persist into 2024. This has been corroborated by data from CyberSeek, which is a collaborative project amongst Lightcast, NICE, and CompTIA. According to CyberSeek, there are only enough workers to fill 85% of existing cybersecurity positions in the U.S., leaving a gap needing over 225,000 professionals. The statistics further indicate a 37% decline in tech occupation job postings from May 2023 to April 2024.
“Although demand for cybersecurity jobs is beginning to normalize to pre-pandemic levels, the longstanding cyber talent gap persists,” stated Will Markow, vice president of applied research at Lightcast. “At the same time, new threats and technologies are causing cybersecurity skill requirements to evolve at a breakneck pace, forcing employers, educators, and individuals to proactively anticipate and prepare for an ever-changing cyber landscape.”
Positions in the highest demand include network engineers, systems administrators, cybersecurity engineers, cybersecurity analysts, security engineers, systems engineers, information systems security officers, network administrators, information security analysts, and software engineers, as reported by CyberSeek data.
“Building a robust cybersecurity presence often requires changes in talent acquisition strategies and tactics,” explained Hannah Johnson, senior vice president of tech talent programs at CompTIA. “This can include upskilling less experienced cybersecurity professionals for more advanced roles, or hiring individuals who demonstrate subject matter expertise through professional certifications or other credentials.”
June 2024
Recent employment data indicates that the median salary for IT professionals has climbed to $100,399, with overall compensation, including bonuses and other benefits, reaching $103,692. The consultancy Janco Associates, Inc. has observed a 3.28% increase in IT salaries over the last year, despite IT unemployment levels being at 5%. Top executives are witnessing the largest salary increments, with their total compensation packages surging by 7.48% and median compensation now at $184,354.
Janco Associates has highlighted a phenomenon known as “salary compression,” where newer employees are offered salaries at the higher end of the existing payment scale, occasionally earning more than current employees in identical roles.
Attrition rates in mid-sized enterprise companies are reportedly higher compared to large enterprises, with salary growth in mid-sized firms also outpacing that in larger organizations. Salaries in mid-sized enterprises have risen by 5.46%, compared to a 2.56% increase in larger enterprises, as noted by Janco Associates.
May 2024
New research and survey results from IDC indicate that a growing shortfall in necessary IT skills is adversely affecting company revenues.
The IDC report, Enterprise Resilience: IT Skilling Strategies, 2024, highlights the most sought-after skills in enterprise organizations currently. The survey, involving 811 participants, points out that artificial intelligence is the most demanded skill, mentioned by 45% of respondents, closely followed by IT operations (44%) and cloud solutions architecture (36%). Other skills in high demand include API integration (33%), generative AI (32%), cloud solutions data management/storage (32%), data analysis (30%), cybersecurity/data security (28%), IoT software development (28%), and IT service management (27%).
About two-thirds (63%) of North American IT leaders reported that this skill shortage has postponed digital transformation efforts, typically by three to 10 months. The respondents also explained various other detrimental effects due to the skill gaps within their IT departments.
Based on these findings, IDC forecasts that by 2026, 90% of global organizations will endure difficulties caused by the IT skills crisis, potentially leading to up to $5.5 trillion in delays, quality problems, and revenue losses. “Securing the right individuals with the necessary skills for appropriate roles has become exceedingly challenging,” commented Gina Smith, PhD, research director of IDC’s IT Skills for Digital Business practice in a statement. “As the gap in IT skills widens and new technologies emerge swiftly, organizations must invent novel ways to recruit, educate, and develop their workforce. Cultivating a learning culture is paramount for achieving this goal.”
May 2024
A prevailing concern among IT executives is the absence of specialized technology talents. They fear this deficiency will block the adoption of new technologies, obstruct ongoing maintenance of legacy systems, limit business opportunities, and result in loss of clients if not addressed.
A recent study conducted by online professional training provider Pluralsight revealed that 96% of technology workers have experienced an increase in their workload due to this skills gap. Furthermore, 78% admitted to abandoning projects midway because they lacked the necessary IT expertise to bring them to successful completion. Although a significant portion of organizations (78%) believe they have seen improvements in closing the skills gap compared to the previous year, the survey highlighted ongoing deficiencies in key areas such as cybersecurity, cloud computing, and software development. IT executives express concerns that the persistent skills gap could severely impede their organizations’ capabilities in these critical sectors.
Pluralsight’s study enlisted views from 1,400 executives and IT professionals based in the U.S., U.K., and India, probing the extents of the technical skills deficit and how entities are confronting the shortfall in vital technological domains.
May 2024
As network automation progresses, it presents significant challenges for IT executives, particularly due to a skills shortage among their staff.
A study conducted by Enterprise Management Associates, which included feedback from 354 IT professionals, revealed that only 18% believe their network automation initiatives are completely successful. Meanwhile, 54% acknowledged only partial success, and 38% were unsure or recognized failure in their efforts.
Approximately 26.8% of the participants attributed these hurdles to workforce-related issues, including skills deficiencies and high turnover rates. A network engineer from a mid-sized business services firm noted in the EMA survey, “Finding network engineers skilled in automation is incredibly difficult. The community is limited, making it challenging to find assistance for troubleshooting issues.”
April 2024
CompTIA, a leader in IT certification and training, is broadening its suite of offerings to address the increasing need for AI competencies.
As AI becomes integral to various job roles, new positions are coming into focus. “We’re seeing the rise of new job roles such as prompt engineering and AI systems architects. These roles are becoming crucial as they match the AI strategies of numerous companies,” explained Teresa Sears, vice president of product management at CompTIA.
According to Thomas Reilly, the chief product officer at CompTIA, countless IT professionals must develop new AI skills to keep pace with market demands, as stated. “Our goal is to offer a comprehensive range of certifications and training programs covering everything from basic knowledge for those starting a career to advanced techniques for seasoned experts.”
February 2024
The IT sector saw a marked decrease in new job creation over the year 2023, with only 700 positions added, indicating ongoing economic worries and a growing emphasis on skills pertinent to new technologies. In contrast, the year 2022 witnessed the addition of 267,000 jobs, with the significant decline attributed to technological layoffs and other reductions in expenditure.
As reported by Janco Associates, although there was an increase of 21,300 jobs in the last quarter of 2023, the total addition throughout the year amounted to merely 700 new roles.
“Our evaluations suggest a grim outlook for the IT job market and prospects for IT professionals. Over the past year, the telecommunications sector saw a reduction of 26,400 jobs, content providers a decrease of 9,300 jobs, and other information services a drop of 10,300 jobs,” stated M. Victor Janulaitis, CEO at Janco. “On the positive side, computer system designers and hosting providers saw job increases of 32,300 and 14,000, respectively.”
January 2024
Robert Half indicates a steady job market as we enter 2024. A recent survey from the talent solutions provider reveals that over half of the U.S. companies are planning expansions in staffing during the first half of the year. The survey includes various sectors, with findings that 57% of companies are looking to create new permanent roles over the next six months, 39% are preparing to fill existing vacancies, and 67% are considering contract workers as part of their recruitment strategy.
In the technology sector specifically, 69% of the surveyed 1,850+ hiring managers intend to introduce new permanent positions. Despite this growth, Robert Half highlights ongoing hurdles, noting that 90% of hiring managers report difficulties in sourcing skilled professionals, and 58% observe increased hiring durations compared to the previous year.
December 2023
Cloud expertise and security knowledge are essential for crafting modern networks. Certifications in these areas are among the highest paying in the IT field, according to Skillsoft’s annual ranking. Topping the list of the 20 highest-paying IT certifications is the Google Cloud-Professional Cloud Architect, boasting an average annual salary of $200,960.
Alongside several cloud-related certifications, Skillsoft’s top 20 list includes five certifications in security, networking, and system architecture.
November 2023
