The top 5 tech roles for 2020

As the tech industry embraces a new decade, we expect to see an increase in demand for jobs that require specialist tech skills. According to the International Data Corporation (IDC), worldwide ICT spending will reach over $6 trillion by 2022. This is good news for tech jobseekers, yet tech companies will continue to face the challenge of attracting top talent.

In this article, we’ve taken our pick of the tech roles that we believe will be in high demand this year. We also outline how companies can attract candidates with relevant skills in these areas.

Cyber security engineer

CWJobs’ recent research into cyber security found that only half (50%) of UK businesses say they have the skills to combat a cyber threat. Only half (51%) of IT workers say that cyber security is included in their training, and almost one in four (23%) say they are not confident in handling a cyber security attack.

Our findings echo the conclusions reached in a recent UK government policy paper, which finds that 54% of all businesses and charities have a basic technical cyber security skills gap, falling to 18% in public sector organisations.

Given the UK’s cyber security skills shortage, demand for qualified professionals is at an all-time high. Companies need to address the shortage by engaging with the next generation of tech workers and making them aware that cyber security is a viable career option. Companies need to partner with schools and colleges to raise awareness of the job role and to help students realise that cyber security isn’t limited to the tech sector.

Check out our latest cyber security engineer jobs.

Java developer

Despite being over 20 years old, Java is still one of the most widely-used programming languages in the world. According to StackOverflow’s 2019 Developer Survey, it’s the 5^th most popular coding language, whereas the TIOBE index ranks Java as number one.

Given the language’s popularity, we might expect the market for Java developers to be oversaturated, but the opposite is true. Its sustained use means that companies consistently need Java development and its programming subsets.

Top java developers, essentially have their pick of roles and are therefore attracted to companies that offer more than just a high salary. When it comes to engaging specialist Java developers, companies need to offer attractive packages that include flexible hours, an enticing company culture and employee recognition. Similarly, providing ongoing training opportunities helps retain talent and can futureproof a company’s position in their industry.

Browse our latest java developer jobs

Data analyst

Data analysts are in high demand across a range of sectors, not just in tech. Finance, government, education and healthcare companies all rely on data analysts to provide useful insights.

According to the Royal Society’s Dynamics of Data Science Skills report, demand for workers with specialist data skills has more than tripled over five years (231%). Similarly, MHR Analytics’ Data Surge Report finds that 80% of UK companies are either planning to hire a data expert or seek data consultancy in 2020.

When interviewing for data analyst roles, companies should make some initial determinations. Questions should focus on technical skills as well as softer skills that relate to verbal and written communication. A good candidate will be able to demonstrate a track record in gathering actionable insights from data sets and communicating findings to stakeholders.

Take a look at our data analyst jobs.

Artificial intelligence engineer

As an increasing number of industries continue to embrace automation, we expect AI to be one of the top tech roles of 2020. Adobe’s 2020 Digital Trends report finds that 41% of leading businesses are already using artificial intelligence this year for a variety of business operations, including identifying fraud and researching keywords for content marketing. And LinkedIn’s 2020 Emerging Jobs Report  cites ‘Artificial Intelligence Specialist’ as its top emerging job, with 74% annual growth over the past four years.

As one of tech’s emerging job roles, AI specialists are currently hard to find. Companies looking to hire for AI roles should also consider broadening their search to include software engineers, computer scientists, Python engineers and algorithm specialists, as these roles typically require an understanding of the technology.

Check out our Artificial Intelligence engineer jobs.

Solution architect

A solution architect creates the architecture for a software system and provides strategic direction throughout the development process. They have to consider the software from many different viewpoints, including from a technical, target market and user perspective.

Solution architect roles can be challenging to recruit for as they require candidates to have a wide-ranging IT skillset as well as good business acumen. As companies come to increasingly rely on software and emerging technologies, the demand for solution architects will increase.

At the interview stage, companies should focus on assessing the breadth of a candidate’s IT knowledge as well as their experience. A good solution architect should be able to demonstrate how they have improved the performance of software in the past. They should have a wide knowledge of programming languages and be able to show how they have applied emerging technologies to projects.

Browse our solution architect jobs.

Tech roles of the future

CWJobs latest whitepaper ‘Tech Innovation: From the Millennium to 2020 and Beyond’ reveals that 64% of tech workers and 69% of business decision makers believe there are more innovative people in technology than ever before.

Business leaders expect self-driving cars (34%) to have the biggest impact on society over the next 20 years, followed by delivery drones (30%) and 5G technology (24%).

Just over one-third of business leaders (35%) believe that cyber security engineers and analysts will be the most crucial job roles over the next 20 years, whereas tech workers believe that roles created around AI (70%) will prove more vital.

When we asked business leaders what technology they would like to see invented over the next two decades, 30% said teleportation, followed by time machines (28%) and bionic limbs (27%).