The demand for software engineers has seen a remarkable surge over the past three years, according to the latest “Employability Skills in the IT Industry Survey” conducted by SLASSCOM in collaboration with Deloitte. This comprehensive survey highlights the increasing need for professionals in QA automation and DevOps, providing crucial insights into the skills landscape of Sri Lanka’s IT industry.
The survey reveals a substantial increase in the demand for software engineers , with the percentage rising from 14% in 2021 to 30% in 2024. This growth underscores the expanding role of technology in various industries and the critical importance of software development skills. Software quality assurance (SQA) has also experienced a significant rise in prominence, moving from the fifth to the second most in-demand profession. In contrast, system/network engineering has fallen out of the top five, indicating a shift in the industry’s focus.
SLASSCOM emphasizes the vital role of employability skills in the rapidly evolving technological landscape. The organization recently conducted an Employability Skills Survey to assess the readiness of graduates from Sri Lankan universities and higher educational institutions for the IT sector. This survey, conducted in partnership with Deloitte, aimed to identify key trends, challenges, and opportunities within the industry while fostering collaboration between the IT sector and educational institutions.
The survey’s scope was extensive, involving over 37 IT companies and more than 80,000 IT professionals, each with over 15 years of industry experience. Notably, the survey focused on IT/IS companies, with representation from IT product companies reduced to 19%. Additionally, all participating companies in 2024 employed over 50 individuals, marking a shift from the previous inclusion of smaller start-ups.
Key Findings and Trends
The Employability Skills Survey had several key objectives. It sought to gather detailed data on the current state of employability skills within Sri Lanka’s IT market, identify emerging trends, and understand the specific skill demands of employers. One of the significant findings of the survey was the growing importance of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), data analytics, cloud computing, and cybersecurity. These areas are now top priorities for organizations, reflecting a strong demand for skills in these domains.
Moreover, the survey highlighted the rising demand for process automation, big data platforms, and machine learning. Frameworks and libraries like Automation Anywhere, React, .NET (5+), and Spring Framework have become increasingly important, indicating a shift towards modern and versatile development tools.
Graduate Hiring and Skills Supply
The 2024 survey also shed light on the trends in graduate hiring and the supply of skills. While there has been an increase in the number of graduate hires, companies continue to face challenges in filling these positions. The primary reasons are a limited talent pool and mismatched salary expectations. The survey noted a clear preference for practical and applied skills over theoretical knowledge, with teamwork being crucial to meet industry demands.
A notable finding was the significant investment companies are making in developing new talent. According to the survey, 41% of responding companies invest between Rs. 100,000 and 250,000 per graduate hire. This investment reflects a strong commitment to nurturing fresh talent and equipping them with the necessary skills to succeed in the industry.
The Importance of Soft Skills
In addition to technical skills, the survey emphasized the growing importance of soft skills. With the increased reliance on online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a noticeable decline in skills such as communication, public speaking, and collaboration. These skills are essential in a professional setting, and their development is critical for the holistic growth of IT professionals.
SLASSCOM highlighted that addressing the gap in soft skills is a priority, as these abilities are integral to successful project management and teamwork. The survey’s findings suggest a need for a balanced focus on both technical and soft skills in IT education and training programs.
Future Directions and Recommendations
Based on the findings from the Employability Skills Survey, SLASSCOM outlined several recommendations for improving the IT education landscape in Sri Lanka. The organization stressed the importance of aligning educational curricula with industry needs, particularly in emerging technologies such as AI, data science, and machine learning. There is also a call to enhance the practical aspects of training, ensuring that graduates possess hands-on experience in relevant tools and technologies.
SLASSCOM’s vision is to foster stronger partnerships between industry stakeholders and educational institutions. Such collaboration can lead to initiatives that address skills gaps, improve employability skills, and enhance the overall competitiveness of Sri Lanka’s IT industry. By focusing on these areas, the industry can continue to grow and adapt to the evolving global technology landscape.
Summary of demand for software engineers
In conclusion, the SLASSCOM-Deloitte Employability Skills Survey provides valuable insights into the current state of the IT industry in Sri Lanka. The rising demand for software engineering and related fields underscores the need for continuous investment in skills development. As the industry continues to evolve, it is crucial for educational institutions, companies, and professionals to work together to ensure that the talent pool meets the growing and changing demands of the market.
