IT hiring sees big jump in Netherlands

A study done by UWV into employment in the IT sector shows that the demand for IT staff increased significantly this year. UWV anticipates a potential shortage if no additional measures are taken. The number of new vacancies increased from 28 thousand in 2013 to 34 thousand in 2014, a 20 percent increase. The number of vacancies is expected to increase to 37 thousand in the coming years. The IT sector currently employs a quarter of a million employees. The proportion of self-employed people in the IT sector has tripled in the period from 1998 to 2010. Most of these job opportunities emerge at a higher level. Particularly in the labor market regions of Greater Amsterdam, Utrecht Central, Haaglanden and Southeast Brabant. These are for jobs such as system analysts and computer specialists. Additionally new jobs and professions are created by technological developments, such as 3D printing and Big Data. The share of highly educated people working in the IT sector is nearly twice as large as the average for the Netherlands. In contrast, the MBO segment in the sector continues to decrease. The economic importance of the sector is expected to increase further in the coming years. One of the sector's challenges will be attracting qualified personnel. The sector plan for IT, which has been approved by Minister Asscher and involves 9.4 million euros, will provide for the training of 2,500 IT professionals.