Benchmark Embraces the Digital Demand

21st May 2015

Leading recruiter Benchmark is spearheading the search for digital candidates in Sheffield to meet the digital job growth across the region.

More than 5%* of job roles in Yorkshire are a result of the digital revolution and weren't in existence pre 1990 - since 2004 IT and digital jobs have had a real impact in the national and regional employment figures, and this is increasingly demonstrated in South Yorkshire. -Working closely with Sheffield businesses, more and more we are seeing a shortage in the candidate market, and a growing need to attract and retain digital skilled workers to the city to fill the roles. There is a big surge in the number of digital vacancies, from Software Engineers to PHP Developers the demand far outweighs the supply. The shift from desktop computers to mobiles and tablet devices, plus the increase in data transfer rates from the internet, means this can only continue to grow as new technologies emerge. -Starting at grass roots is the key, educating future generations, plus highlighting to candidates outside of Sheffield the benefits of taking a role in our great city, said Louisa Harrison Walker, Director at Benchmark Recruit. Ryan Creative Director at Sheffield digital agency Hydra Creative added -The growth of wearable technology is exciting and challenging in equal measure, not only in producing well designed and developed applications to work on the devices, but also what to do with all the data that is collected. With this in mind, we are always on the lookout for skilled backend developers (php, mysql) but also skilled designers who are not limited to traditional media (logo designers, brochure designers) to give a highly polished user experience (UX). -Currently this is where the shortage appears to be as traditional graphic design degrees, don't go deep enough into online design and UX, and web development courses don't delve into the design side either, which leaves a gap that needs to be filled! Working to industry speed is also a regular problem when bringing new graduates into the business, so a more joined up approach with education providers and the industry could highly benefit both sides. Benchmark is working closely with colleges such as Longley Park Sixth Form College and UTC Sheffield, helping students make informed choices and raising awareness with future employees to the digital employment market and opportunities available.