Need for online business 'creating new jobs'

A growth in the need for businesses to operate online has resulted in an increase in IT-specific jobs, a study has found.

Research led by Skillsmart Retail found that IT workers are now an integral part of the workforce and often drive development thanks to their expertise.

It was discovered that companies offering a tailored service to their clients were thriving and as such, had created new roles including web design jobs, online marketing specialisms and graphic design positions.

Ian Wheeler, research manager at Skillsmart Retail, said IT jobs have come a long way from their portrayal on TV shows such as the IT Crowd.

"IT must be woven throughout the business to make sure [it] can provide an online presence that fits in with the company's culture, aims and strategies.

"This means that business people must be much more knowledgeable about IT and IT workers need to show that they [have] the creative flair and business knowledge to do so," he commented.

In May, Personnel Today reported that figures from training provider Computeach showed that more people from different industries were changing careers and applying for courses in IT thanks to the skills shortage in the sector.

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