Wireless, Information Security, and Clinical Research Lead Demand for Technology Talent

PHILADELPHIA, PA – December 2, 2003 – Yoh Company, America's first and longest running technology staffing firm, has released its assessment and findings associated with demand for skilled domestic technology workers for 2004.

An increase in industry activity in the cellular sector has created a groundswell of demand for workers with a wireless background, while homeland security and the continued pursuit of enhanced corporate security continues to improve the outlook for information and network security professionals. As companies continue to coalesce diverse software initiatives, the need for workers experienced in applications integration and ERP technologies continues to grow.

In the pharmaceutical and medical device markets, continued investment in product portfolio development and the challenge of more stringent FDA regulation drive the demand for clinical research, data management and regulatory talent.

Jim Lanzalotto, Vice President of Strategy & Marketing for Yoh, commented: "Our customers look to us to provide them with staffing expertise and market knowledge. With focused groups of sourcers and recruiters concentrating on vertical segments of the staffing marketplace, we have an intimate knowledge of technology workers unique to our industry. This understanding enables Yoh to provide a meaningful indication of the major trends in technology staffing at any time."

More detailed findings include:

Scientific: Companies hiring in the pharmaceutical, biotech and medical device industries continue to discover that finding high-impact Clinical Research and Data Management employees is increasingly difficult, while demand for basic scientists is decreasing. The pharmaceutical and biotech sectors continue to invest in new product development and new technologies to remain competitive, thereby causing a higher demand for scientific and IT management professionals, as well as employees with both technology and science backgrounds.

The following is a list of job titles ranked according to how easily hiring managers are finding candidates who have the required skills and experience:
Highest Demand
1. Clinical Research
2. Data Management
3. Regulatory Affairs
4. QA/QC
5. Validation Specialist

Lowest Demand
1. Scientist
2. Technical Assistant
3. Product Safety Specialist
4. Biologist
5. Medical Tech

Engineering: In the engineering job market, electrical/electronic, materials and civil engineers continue to have the most opportunity, while petroleum, agricultural, and chemical engineers have the weakest prospects. Recently, demand for environmental and water resources engineers has increased.

The following is a list of job titles ranked according to how easily hiring managers are finding candidates who have the required skills and experience:
Highest Demand
1. Electrical Engineer
2. Materials Engineer
3. Civil Engineer
4. Environmental Engineer
5. Water Resources Engineer

Lowest Demand
1. Petroleum Engineer
2. Agricultural Engineer
3. Chemical Engineer
4. Geological Engineer
5. Mining Engineer

IT: The recent buyer's market in IT has slowed as demand for particular skills has increased. Demand remains strong for applications integration, security and data warehousing. Candidates with skills in Java, Oracle, C, ERP, particularly SAP and PeopleSoft, and UNIX are in the greatest demand.

The following is a list of job titles ranked according to how easily hiring managers are finding candidates who have the required skills and experience:
Highest Demand
1. Information Security
2. Windows Administration
3. Project Management
4. Help Desk Specialist
5. Business Analyst

Lowest Demand
1. Test Engineer
2. Process Specialist
3. Web Developer
4. Mainframe Analyst
5. Systems Administration

Telecommunications: An increase in wireless infrastructure investments is driving overall demand for technology workers in the recently moribund telecommunications industry. The biggest bright spots for hiring in this industry can be found with wireless providers, emerging support companies and the power/transmission sector. Demand for RF and Cellsite Technicians, in particular, has increased significantly in the past three quarters, while requests for site acquisition specialists are waning.

The following is a list of job titles ranked according to how easily hiring managers are finding candidates who have the required skills and experience:
Highest Demand
1. Certified Cellsite Technician
2. Wireless Tester
3. COE Technician
4. Fiber & Cable Splicers
5. RF Technician

Lowest Demand
1. QA Tester
2. Systems Engineer
3. Site Acquisition Specialist
4. Field Networking Technician
5. PBX Certified Technician

Aviation: Recently, hiring managers have found workers with structural and mechanical design skills are in demand, while the need for technical writers remains low.

The following is a list of job titles ranked according to how easily hiring managers are finding candidates who have the required skills and experience:
Highest Demand
1. Structural/Mechanical Design Engineer
2. Stress Analysis Engineer.
3. Systems Engineer
4. Software Developer (C++, ADA)
5. Avionics Designer

Lowest Demand
1. Tool Designer
2. NC Programmer
3. Jig/Fixture Designer
4. Manufacturing Engineer
5. Tech Writer/Publication