The Australian job market has risen again in September, but the IT sector is still playing catch-up, according to the latest results from the Olivier Job Index.
Overall, job ads are up another 3.58 per cent in September, on the back of August’s 2.43 per cent rise, reflecting a sense of optimism in the market. But the IT sector only experienced a slight rise of 0.8 per cent.
“IT is not enjoying the same spectacular rebound, but the overall prognosis is good,” Olivier Group director, Bob Olivier, said.
“Although IT wasn’t hurt as hard as many other sectors in the downturn, the industry hasn’t got the full return in business as yet.”
The IT sector in the ACT suffered the biggest fall, dropping 20.39 per cent on the back of the Gershon Report, which is causing a clamp down on ICT spend in the Federal Government. However, this was partially offset by a rebound in NSW of 1.37 per cent.
“While IT organisations are no longer desperate for the next sale to keep them going, they still haven’t got enough confidence in laying large sums out on extra projects,” Olivier said.
Meanwhile, job ads for IT graduates have surged, rising 74 per cent in September. But according to Olivier it doesn’t take a large number of ads to make those percentages grow.
“Recruiters don’t want to get caught with no talent coming through the ranks, which is a good sign.”
The Olivier Group recorded growth every week during September, and it’s expecting that to continue into October.
The biggest increases took place in the transport and administration markets, rising by 10.63 and 9.48 per cent respectively, while the worst performers were education and healthcare, down 3.63 and 0.54 per cent respectively.
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