Study: 51% of Tech Workers Believe Current Skills Will be Outdated in 3 Years

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More than half (51 percent) of tech workers feel their current IT skills will become outdated in the next three years, while nearly one-quarter (23 percent) believe their skills will be outdated in less than a year, says a new study released by VisionPRO, a Detroit-based IT staffing and permanent placement company.

The 2016 IT Workforce Trends Study, which was created by surveying 227 IT workers online, covers trends in the mindsets and expectations of IT workers across the country.

While the United States creates 120,000 new IT jobs that require a degree in computer science each year, according to the study, 78 percent of tech workers believe jobs “are harder to land, because employers are seeking workers with more skills than in years past.”

“Technology is changing so quickly,” says Christine Rice, CEO of VisionPRO. “A few things to help (workers) with that is making sure they’re staying connected to groups that provide information about some of the cutting-edge technology and prototypes of what’s out there, so they’re staying ahead of what’s next to come, and staying active within their companies to be sure they’re informed of some of the company’s goals and where the company is going to invest in technology.”

Seventy-five percent of workers surveyed think that on-the-job training experiences is the top method for keeping skills updated, while 54 percent and 44 percent believe keeping up with certificates and training, and online IT books, respectively, are important for staying up to date.

For nearly 20 years, VisionPRO, a subsidiary of Vision Information Technologies Inc., has specialized in delivering IT talent to Fortune 500, mid-size organizations, and large government agencies on a contract-to-hire, contract, and permanent placement basis. The company operates more than 20 offices across the United States and supports other markets with IT consultants through its sister company VisionIT in Canada, Mexico, and Brazil.

To read the full study, visit visionproteam.com.