Olympics raises demand for IT contractors

The number of IT contractors working in the engineering sector has almost doubled in 12 months because of demand generated by the 2012 Olympics, according to contractor Giant Group PLC.

Their survey of more than 1,500 IT contractors showed 10.2% now work in the engineering and construction sector, compared with 6.3% a year ago.

The design of Olympic facilities and infrastructure requires large numbers of software engineers with skills in advanced computer modelling to assist with structural analysis before construction can commence.

Matthew Brown, managing director at Giant Group said, "Programming skills are required during the design phase of Olympics projects. Software engineers will build computer models and run simulations to stress-test every structural part before construction can begin. Engineers need to know designs will work years before they are actually built."

The group also predicts the percentage of IT contractors involved with Olympics projects will rise as the telecoms and media infrastructure, which will ensure coverage is relayed quickly and accurately to the audience, is put in place.

When this aspect of the Olympics development gets going demand for networking skills is going to surge, the company said.

Brown added the high demand for contractors means companies will have to be increasingly competitive on pay and benefits if they are to retain the right people.