A website for trading IT skills aims to offer IT
professionals a source of flexible job opportunities and help
employers to source scarce skills.
OrderWork, which has
attracted interest from more than 1,000 employers, aims to offer IT
contractors a more flexible, marketplace approach to finding work
by matching IT professionals to IT opportunities posted by
potential employers.
The website, which trades more than 1,500 jobs a month, aims to
provide employers with a diverse pool of IT skills and coverage in
remote areas.
Contractors and suppliers are charged on a commission-only
basis, as opposed to paying an ongoing subscription fee. Employers
pay a fee to use the vetting and rating system to filter
candidates.
IT consultant Lee Holding, who is a regular user of the site,
said, "I like the fact that it is flexible. You can go directly to
the site to see what is available or get e-mail notification of
suitable work, which allows you to pick and choose jobs according
to busy or quiet periods. I also like the fact that, if the price
is not right, you can accept work conditionally and negotiate your
fee."
Holding said the system had increased his work by 25% since he
registered at the beginning of the year. He has recently been
providing network and maintenance services for local charities
which found him through the site.
A wide range of organisations have used OrderWork, from managed
IT services companies to electrical retailer Dixons.
Peter Northwood, service development director at Dixons Stores
Group International, said the scheme allowed the company to
supplement its permanent technical field-service teams with expert,
local, vetted suppliers to serve customers across the UK.
The OrderWork website
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