Which IT skills should you acquire in H2 2024, and how?

The IT skills most in-demand in H2 2024…

Technology is evolving at a rate now exceeding the talent available on the UK market.

As these changes are occurring at an unprecedented pace, staying ahead of the curve is essential for freelance IT contractors, who need to know what technology trends to master now -- to be in with a chance of being sought-after during H2 2024, writes Kieran Scully, senior manager for technology, data and AI recruitment at Morgan Mckinley.

1. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML)

AI and ML continue to be at the forefront of technological innovation, driving advancements across various sectors.

As companies look to utilise AI tools to automate tasks and catchup with (or move ahead of) competitors, the demand for skills in these areas is growing exponentially.

To be in-demand, between now and until the end of 2024, IT contractors in this space should focus on developing skills in machine learning algorithms, neural networks, and natural language processing.

It’s key for both full-time and temporary candidates to remember here that AI and ML enable businesses to automate processes, enhance decision-making, and predict outcomes.

Best AI Courses? Get ahead with:

• Courses: Enrol in AI and ML courses on platforms like Coursera or Udacity.

• Certifications: Obtain certifications such as Google AI Certification or AWS Machine Learning Specialty.

• Projects: Engage in hands-on projects that involve building predictive models and AI-driven applications. Demonstrable experience of personal projects are of high interest to prospective clients and potential employers alike.

2. Data Science

As companies move towards being more data driven, they are looking to use IT professionals to extract valuable insights from large datasets.

And right now, yet likely to last up until the end 2024, we’re seeing an increasing demand for Data Scientists as a result.

Best Data Science Courses? Get ahead with:

• Courses: Take data science courses from top institutions like Stanford or MIT.

• Certifications: Pursue certifications like the IBM Data Science Professional Certificate.

• Tools: Master tools such as Python, R, and SQL for data manipulation and analysis. Strong Mathematical and Statistical skills are required.

3. Cloud Computing

Cloud Computing has been ever present over the last 10 years and there’s no sign of it slowing down. It’s therefore a very sure bet for IT professionals who are looking to stay ‘hot’ on the tech skills market in H2 2024 and beyond.

We are seeing businesses increasingly adopting cloud technologies, often looking to have ‘multi-cloud’ solutions to mitigate over-reliance on a single platform.

Deep expertise in cloud platforms such as Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud Platform (GCP) is essential for IT contractors.

As a candidate, your focus here should on cloud architecture, cloud security, and data management, so you can support scalable and flexible IT solutions.

Best Cloud Computing Courses? Get ahead with:

• Courses: Explore cloud computing courses on platforms like AWS Training and Certification.

• Certifications: Achieve certifications like AWS Certified Solutions Architect or Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert.

• Hands-On Experience: Gain practical experience by setting up and managing cloud environments for real-world projects.

4. Cybersecurity

As the technology landscape changes and newer technology is integrated, cyber threats escalate in and are driving an increase in demand for cybersecurity expertise now more than ever.

To really secure a high place in the tech demand stakes in H2 2024, cyber security contractors should acquire skills in threat detection, risk management, and ethical hacking to protect digital assets.

Understanding cybersecurity tools and practices will ensure the integrity and confidentiality of IT systems.

Key to keep in mind, here, is that as AI adoption rises the threats will too, so specialists in this field should be paying close attention to developments in Artificial Intelligence.

Best Cyber Security Courses? Get ahead with:

• Courses: Enrol in cybersecurity courses offered by institutions like SANS or Cybrary.

• Certifications: Aim for certifications such as Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) or Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH).

• Practical Skills: Participate in cybersecurity simulations and ethical hacking exercises.

5. Blockchain Technology

Blockchain Technology adoption has grown significantly over the last 18 months. That makes it a very buoyant technology area for the rest of 2024 and likely beyond.

Interestingly, the wider understanding is shifting from a ‘cryptocurrency’ primary mindset to the wider benefits that blockchain technology offers -- a secure and transparent framework for various applications, particularly in finance and supply chain management.

In line with the increase of AI-generated content, we will likely see an increase in the need for data integrity and trustworthiness.

Skills in blockchain development, smart contracts, and decentralised applications (DApps) are increasingly valuable.

Best Blockchain Courses? Get ahead with:

• Courses: Learn blockchain technology through courses on Coursera or edX.

• Certifications: Obtain certifications like Certified Blockchain Developer or Ethereum Developer Certification.

• Projects: Develop blockchain-based applications and smart contracts to gain practical experience.

Big for tech in 2025: Digital Twins

In line with the above five technology trends and skills seeing increased demand as H2 2024 get underway, we’ve seen the momentum accelerate with the emergence of Digital Twins.

What are Digital Twins?

Digital Twins are digital counterparts of physical objects or systems using real-time data to simulate and analyse the behaviour and performance of their physical counterparts.

Primed to be big in the technology market in H2 2024, Digital Twins are revolutionising industries by providing detailed insights into system operations and performance, enabling predictive maintenance, reducing downtime and costs, and helping to optimise processes by providing real-time feedback.

How Digital Twins integrate with 2024 H2’s five most in-demand tech skills, above

1. AI and ML: Digital Twins leverage AI and ML to analyse data and predict future outcomes, enhancing decision-making processes.

2. Data Science: Data collected from physical systems is analysed to create accurate digital models, driving insights and optimisations.

3. Cloud Computing: Cloud platforms provide the necessary infrastructure to store and process vast amounts of data required for Digital Twins.

4. Cybersecurity: Protecting the integrity of data within Digital Twins is crucial, requiring advanced cybersecurity measures.

5. Blockchain: Ensures data authenticity and security, particularly in transactions and supply chain applications.

Which IT skills should you acquire in H2 2024, and how? Final thoughts...

Faced with a constantly evolving IT market, it’s becoming essential for technologists who want to stay in-demand to at least be across one or more of these five technology skills and trends, which are set to dominate in H2 2024 and invariably beyond.