A survey released today by the NZICT Group found that NZ ICT companies continue to suffer from a skills shortage, despite the recession.

The survey had more than 100 respondents and found that more than 50% of companies are planning to appoint technical staff, but 83% stated that the difficulties recruiting qualified, skilled and experienced staff is having a medium to major effect on business.

“We see the industry quickly rebounding as customers focus on opportunities to improve productivity and drive innovation,” said Brett O’Riley, NZICT Chief Executive. “While there has been significant margin erosion across all goods and service areas, and a reduction in economic activity, ICT firms have survived as a result of strong and decisive management and many of these companies are now well positioned for the upturn.”

The survey predicted that the skills shortage would most likely be felt in the following professions: network architects, designers, engineers and telecommunications technicians.

The survey found that most companies are expecting continued growth in staff levels over the coming months, and NZICT is working with the education sector and other industry stakeholders to address the skills shortage.

A recent AbsoluteIT salary study found that the median contracting rate dropped 12.5% over the last six months, but the total value of overall employment packages has dropped only $2.5k from $78k to $75.5k over the last six months.

The study was conducted by NZICT on behalf of the Ministry of Economic Development and compiled by Axcel Institute. It is the first comprehensive study conducted on the ICT skills shortage in New Zealand and NZICT plans to conduct the survey annually.