Tech Sector Job Market Remains Competitive in Middle Tennessee

853 Tech Related Positions Open in First Quarter 2012

NASHVILLE, Tenn.--(EON: Enhanced Online News)--The Nashville Technology Council released its Technology Hiring Trends Report for the first quarter of 2012. The Report, sponsored by teknetex, provides insights into recruitment for Middle Tennessee’s technology job sector and shows the needs of a pivotal portion of the regional economy. The Report was generated from public job postings on large job portals (i.e. CareerBuilder, Monster, etc.), specialty technology sites (i.e. Dice), and several of Tennessee’s employer sites.

“The NTC is working with local employers regarding what works in today’s demanding market including highlighting the topic at our upcoming C-Suite Breakfast at TechVille 2012.”

Research concludes that 853 technology-related jobs were available in the Middle Tennessee area during the first quarter of 2012; down 18% from fourth quarter 2011 results. Tennessee as a whole also showed a decrease (-10%) in open tech positions during the quarter to 1,269. The highest number of openings in Middle Tennessee this quarter came from the health care sector - Hospital Corporation of America (HCA), Community Health Systems (CHS), Vanderbilt University, Emdeon, and HealthSpring.

“It’s not uncommon to see a small dip in IT openings in the 1st quarter of a given year as companies better define new projects. This decrease is especially true due to the strong hiring trend in 2011. The demand for technology professionals remains strong and the market is extremely competitive. The recruitment, development and growth of tech talent remain integral to the success of Middle Tennessee,” states John Kepley, Principal and CEO at teknetex. Mr. Kepley serves on the NTC Board of Directors and Co-Chairs NTC’s Technology Workforce and Education Committee. “Given the continued high demand for tech professionals, employers must adopt new approaches to recruiting, managing and retaining tech professionals,” states Liza Lowery Massey, President and CEO of the NTC. She goes on to say, “The NTC is working with local employers regarding what works in today’s demanding market including highlighting the topic at our upcoming C-Suite Breakfast at TechVille 2012.”

Expanding the pool of skilled technology professionals is so important for Middle Tennessee’s continued economic prosperity; several member companies are providing financial support for NTC’s workforce development efforts. Microsoft recently increased its sponsorship, targeting tech workforce development. Other companies financially supporting this effort include Ardent Health Services, eMids, HealthSpring, HP, Healthcare Management Systems (HMS), and teknetex.