A recent survey, which questioned over 100 IT managers on their main focus of change for 2011, also exposed the enormity of this skills gap, with a further 15 per cent admitting that they need to address the lack of talent and skills by ensuring existing staff were educated on new IT developments. 61 per cent of organisations are struggling to meet new business demands in 2011 due to a lack of skilled IT staff, sparking the need for a massive recruitment drive, according to a survey by software project mentors, UPMentors. However, improving staff retention and boosting morale came further down the list of priorities for IT managers at only two per cent, together with improving collaboration between business and IT to work as one team. Furthermore, despite this proposed investment in recruitment, eight per cent of IT managers are still looking for ways to cut costs by identifying and removing waste in IT processes and projects. With plugging skills gaps a priority, only two per cent of managers will focus on investment in new technologies this year. Maintaining a high skills level, particularly with competition for new business at its highest since the recession, is clearly a priority this year, but organisations need to make sure they end up investing in the right person for the job. Finding such good quality people may prove challenging and force employers to look to the contract market to bolster their in-house capability. Companies who are investing in training to raise the skills of their people will receive a double benefit of increased capability, loyalty and motivation from their existing employees that will no doubt make a difference to the business.” comments Julian Holmes, co-founder, UPMentors. Credit: onrec.com