Careers that are in high demand in Information and Communication Technology – What You Need to Know

We look at why it is time to seriously consider careers that are in high demand in Information and Communication Technology.

According to Higher Education and Training Minister Naledi Pandor, more South Africans need to seriously consider careers that are in high demand. Many of the careers that are in high demand or OHID are in the tech industry and Information and Communication Technology fields’ respectively.

There are two important reasons for considering careers that are in high demand in South Africa. Firstly, you want to be able to find employment with a decent pay-check once qualified, and secondly, South Africa needs to remain relevant in the Fourth Industrial Revolution or fall behind. Simply put, this requires a people skilled and trained in technology.

When choosing a career, it is important to take your goals and interests into account. The advantage of choosing a career in Information and Communication Technology is that you are not limited to a specific industry. This means you can become IT or ICT certified and apply for a position in any company that operates in an area which is of interest to you.

We must also mention that COVID-19, to a large extent, has changed the projection of businesses. It has increased the need for school graduates and professionals alike to consider a career with longevity, such as information technology. The international pandemic has highlighted the importance of technology and the critical need for skills in information and communication technology.

Now is the time to launch into a career in tech and get ahead. You will need both soft skills and tech skills to work in both IT and ICT. According to the MICT SETA Career Guide, “There will be a need for a reorientation of skills as the traditional skills sets used by the economy will undergo deep and fundamental changes.”

To become a part of the technologically savvy workforce you need to be trained in IT and ICT.

About WeTrainICT

WeTrainICT powered by On the Ball College was established to train people in information and communication technology and to assist with the high demand for technically skilled workers in the business world. We offer a range of courses to enable all levels of candidates to find a course to suit them and upskill to start or progress to careers that are in high demand.

WeTrainICT powered by On the Ball College offers curriculums partnered with Oracle, Google, AWS, Microsoft, CompTIA and MICT SETA to ensure candidates are qualified both for local and international employment.

Careers That are in High Demand in Information and Communication Technology

1. Software Developer

Software developers are responsible for the design, development, and maintenance of software programs. They usually have a degree in computer science and programming as well as or alternatively, they have certifications in programming and a few years’ experience. This is one of the highest-paid professions in South Africa and internationally.

Essential skills for a Software Developer

• Mathematical aptitude.
• Problem-solving skills.
• Programming languages (different types of developer roles require different languages)
• Excellent organisational and time management skills.
• Accuracy and attention to detail.

Take a look at our Software Development NQF4 and NQF5 Qualifications

2. Cybersecurity analyst 

Cybersecurity analysts protect the computers, data, networks and programmes of a company utilizing technologies and processes to prevent, detect and manage cyber-attacks.

As a Cybersecurity Analyst, you can either work within a company protecting their systems and implementing processes or you can consult for various businesses on the best ways to protect their organization from cyber-threats. Essential skills for a cybersecurity analyst

• A passion for cybersecurity
• An interest in IT
• Excellent IT skills, including knowledge of computer networks, operating systems, software, hardware and security
• An understanding of the cybersecurity risks associated with various technologies and ways to manage them
• Good working knowledge of various security technologies such as network and application firewalls, host intrusion prevention and anti-virus
• The ability to work as part of a team
• Written communication skills, for example, to write technical reports
• Excellent attention to detail and an ability to analyse complex technical information to identify patterns and trends
• An ability to work under pressure, particularly when dealing with threats and at times of high demand.

Take a look at our Cybersecurity courses.

3. Data Analyst 

Data Analysts turn data into useful information which is then used to help companies make better business decisions and implement better strategies. By collecting, studying and analysing data you will be able to offer a business valuable insights and advice on any necessary changes. This role would best suit someone who has an affinity for numbers and data and be able to interpret this data into useful information that is easy for others to understand.

Essential skills for Data Analysts:

• A high level of mathematical ability.
• Programming languages, such as SQL, Oracle and Python.
• The ability to analyse, model and interpret data.
• Problem-solving skills.
• A methodical and logical approach.
• The ability to plan work and meet deadlines.
• Accuracy and attention to detail.

We will be launching our Business Analysis NQF6 in August 2020.

4. IT/ICT Consultant

Information Technology Consultants recommend relevant hardware, software and systems that meet the needs of an organisation. These recommendations are to be implemented to ensure effective, streamlined company operations. IT Consultants, design, install and test new systems and software.

Essential skills for an IT consultant

• A meticulous approach to work
• Attention to detail
• Capable of meeting high standards
• Good problem-solving skills
• Analytical and technical skills
• Effective time management skills to meet deadlines
• The ability to work under pressure
• The ability to multitask
• Interpersonal and communication skills when dealing with clients

5. IT Technical Support Officer

IT Technical Support Officer is a technical support role. Whether you are external support working with the customers of an organisation or internal technical support dealing with company employees, you are the people’s first line of support regarding anything and everything technical or computer related.

Some examples of enquiries you will be addressing are forgotten passwords, viruses, email issues and or anything which doesn’t seem to work properly on the company website, network or system.

Essential skills for an IT Technical Support Officer

• An ability to assess each customer/employee’s IT knowledge levels
• Ability to deal with difficult callers
• Logical thinker
• Good analytical and problem-solving skills
• Up-to-date technical knowledge
• An in-depth understanding of the software and equipment your customers/employees are using
• Good interpersonal and customer care skills
• Accurate record keeping

Take a look at our User Support and Call Centre courses.

WeTrainICT, powered by On the Ball College, is an accredited IT and computer training academy.  The college was founded in 2006 in Cape Town by Kim Palmer.

It was in 2000 when Kim’s entrepreneurial spirit led to the formation of a new business.  From humble beginnings, the academy is now a fully accredited Training College. We service students across South Africa.

This is the first of a 3-part series on A Career in ICT – What You Need to Know. Follow us on Facebook to be notified when part 2 is released.