Market Updates for Job Hunters

Thanks to the continued commitment to building defence technology and infrastructure in South Australia, primarily through the AUKUS deal, there are ongoing defence opportunities. Given the nature of work, candidates need to be security cleared for these opportunities. For those interested in a defence role who don’t hold a current clearance, it is important to be aware that we are seeing a delay on security clearances being approved at present, so if you are in the process of being sponsored, expect delays.

In 2022 it was all about space tech, but being the “Space State” is seemingly on pause with large funding cuts on government investment from the initial offering. However the start-up culture is strong with Lot Fourteen and the Tonsley Innovation District positioning itself as the significant benchmark for AI investment in Australia.

As some of the states along the eastern seaboard are seeing a shift towards short term contract or fixed term engagements, permanent opportunities continue to be the preference for our SA clients, with the assurance of longer-term resources and skillsets. The exception to this is state government where time-caps and project-based funding require contracts aligned to project deadlines. We are also seeing organisations with a more fast-outcome focus utilising contract or project-based engagements to be able to scale up faster and ensure on-time delivery.

Market Updates for Hiring Tech Talent

For organisations looking to hire tech talent, flexible working arrangements are the number one non-financial selling point, followed closely by training and development opportunities. Post covid, candidates have enjoyed the flexibility of being able to work from home and want the opportunity to be able to continue this. Traditionally not a possibility within the defence sector thanks to classified materials, we are now seeing the bulk of the defence industry declassifying some work to allow 2 days of working from home options. Across both public and private sectors, clients who are offering flexible working arrangements are positioning themselves as employers of choice in the tech industry.

Likewise, offering training and development opportunities are a close second to securing top talent. Given the fast-paced nature of the ever-changing tech industry, candidates are looking not just to be told training, development and upskilling opportunities are available, but to see an actual allocated annual budget included in their employment contract. And the interest is not necessarily for upskilling in technology directly related to their daily tasks, but to include a much wider range of technology certifications or skills.

Partnering with Tech Experts

If you’re an Adelaide local, or looking to either start fresh or return home to this beautiful city there’s some really exciting projects in the works to be part of. The Emanate Adelaide team are partnering with clients and candidates on opportunities in the Project Services, Digital & Applications and Data & Analytics to name a few of our core tech specilisations. We are able to support the careers and hiring needs of the tech community across the full spectrum of technology requirements.

And if you are thinking about that move back to Adelaide, you’ll be pleasantly surprised on what’s on offer both for career opportunities and lifestyle. We’re no longer just the “city of churches”. Reach out to myself and the team for a chat about your next exciting career move, or your next great tech hire!