IDC's optimistic assessment of the IT market got further support from employment figures that Icon Recruitment released last week which showed online IT job advertisements jumped 30 percent in the first quarter.
Systems developers, software engineers, trainers and project managers were the highest earners in the salary stakes for permanent positions. Portland Aluminium site support coordinator Darren Field has found networking skills are the most valued by employers.
Rock Building Society network administrator Mark Lax agrees headcount is on the rise particularly for the next 12 months.
However, Lax said he hasn't seen any notable increase in salaries.