Demand for technology professionals in Scotland increased by more than 200 per cent in 12 months, according to the latest UK Tech Talent Tracker from Accenture.
Despite the technology jobs market easing in the first half of 2022, the tracker found growth in job posts and rising demand in new skills such as quantum, based on an analysis of LinkedIn’s professional network data.
Demand for quantum computing skills was up 1,175 per cent year-on-year and blockchain up 571 per cent, with cloud up 213 per cent, data analytics by 152 per cent and AI by 103 per cent.
As these technologies evolve, demand for digital ethics professionals has also increased considerably (up 253 per cent) while companies also seek to invest in cybersecurity (up 268 per cent).
Much of the rate of growth year-on-year exceeded job vacancy trends in other UK centres, such as Newcastle (up 85 per cent year-on-year), Brighton (up 40 per cent), and Birmingham (up 25 per cent). Nonetheless, the rapid rise in hiring has shown signs of easing across the UK, with open technology roles declining by four per cent in both Scotland and across the UK during the first six months of 2022.
While the pool of UK technology professionals on LinkedIn grew during the pandemic, from 730,000 in early 2020 to nearly 935,000 professionals in July 2022, the current availability of technology professionals continues to be outpaced by demand.
Stuart Glen, Accenture Technology, Scotland said: “While demand for technology has remained resilient across the UK over the course of a turbulent year, here in Scotland companies are working particularly hard to recruit the best talent to help transform their operations through technologies like cloud, data analytics and AI.
“Despite a recent easing in demand, Scotland must still focus on competing effectively with London and other UK regions to fill vacancies and ensure technology roles are filled at the pace companies need. Our key tech hub cities like Edinburgh and Glasgow offer a great quality of life to professionals coming to work here and organisations need to make the most of showcasing this to potential recruits, while also working proactively to develop and upskill their existing workforce.”