Technology Employment Forecast — Summer/Fall 2010

No Technology Layoffs Expected in West Michigan
For the first time since the Technology Employment Forecast began in 2003, not one of the participating companies reports that they will decrease their information technology staff. Every category of business plans to increase IT staffing. Almost three-quarters of computer consulting firms will be hiring. Nearly half of the participating healthcare and retail/wholesale firms expect to hire more technology professionals. Large companies (over 1000 employees) are continuing their trend of increasing IT staff. Senior level staffers seem to be in higher demand than in the first half of the year.

Outsourcing of IT projects is increasing to over 40% with local outsourcing still the most popular. Many companies report multiple outsource locations.

Paragon’s chief recruiting officer Beth DeWilde says, “I’m working on many open positions. I have many candidates interviewing and finding new jobs. Certainly, we all hope these signs of employment recovery will continue.”

Each half we poll over 500 Senior IT Managers in our market to determine what the future holds for IT staffing and IT services outsourcing in the local area. This forecast includes responses from approximately 100 companies.

We will post the results from who all respond on our home page shortly after the start of the forecasted half.

1) In the next half do you expect your IT staff to increase, decrease, or stay the same?

Hiring Trends by Industry:

Hiring Trends by Company Size:

2) If increasing or decreasing in question number 1, what discipline of person is most affected?

3) If increasing or decreasing in question number 1, what skill level of person is most affected?

4) Are you outsourcing projects?

5) If you answered "yes" to question number 4, where are you outsourcing the projects?
(some firms outsource to multiple locations)

If you have any questions, comments, or an interest in more detailed information, please feel free to contact us.