In today’s job landscape, IT skills are becoming essential even for professionals who aren’t pure technologists. A recent study conducted by the Skillfactory IT vocational school, focusing on the Higher Education program and the HR career development service, shows that about 70 percent of non-technical staff view IT competencies as a key factor in boosting their competitiveness. That finding was shared with socialbites.ca as part of the study results.
The survey highlights that the most sought-after IT capabilities are data analytics and processing (66 percent), automation of business processes (52 percent), and familiarity with artificial intelligence (48 percent). These domains are increasingly central as companies push forward with digital transformations and seek faster, smarter operations.
Yet, even with rising demand, many non-technical professionals admit that their IT proficiency is still uneven. Only about one in five respondents rate their skills as advanced, while roughly two-fifths rely primarily on basic office software and standard productivity tools.
Interest in upgrading IT knowledge remains high. A striking 85 percent of participants expressed a desire to improve their IT skill set, signaling a strong motivation across roles to adapt to digital work environments.
When it comes to learning methods, online courses lead the way at 79 percent, and self-guided study follows closely at 77 percent. Notably, about 20 percent of respondents are willing to enroll in a university program to accelerate their IT education, indicating a willingness to invest time and resources for deeper expertise.
Alexey Dvoretsky, who oversees the Higher Education program at Skillfactory, notes that demand for IT competencies is expanding across industries. He points out that in 2023, employers began seeking professionals with artificial intelligence skills at a rate nearly eight times higher than before. World Economic Forum experts have also identified digital literacy, AI literacy, and Big Data capabilities as among the ten most in-demand professional skills this year.
Participants hold clear expectations about the benefits of upgrading IT skills. The majority—about 80 percent—believe that mastering these topics will make daily tasks easier and faster. Roughly 45 percent foresee better prospects within their current company, and many anticipate taking on more creative work as routine tasks become automated. A fifth of respondents expect higher pay, and about one in five hope for a promotion as a result of advancing their IT capabilities.
Barriers persist, though. The study found that about a quarter of professionals feel their employer does not demand IT specialization, while roughly 28 percent think their current role does not require specialized knowledge. Despite these perceptions, labor market trends reveal a growing need for IT expertise that outpaces hesitancy. Digital transformation is reshaping every facet of work and life, increasing the value of technical proficiency as a fundamental driver of career development instead of a mere competitive edge.
In summary, while some remain unconvinced about direct demand, the trajectory is clear. IT skills are becoming a baseline capability for career advancement, and proactive professionals increasingly seek training and certification to stay relevant in a rapidly evolving digital economy. The momentum suggests that those who invest in their IT education—whether through online courses, self-study, or formal programs—stand to gain meaningful advantages as technology continues to permeate every field.
Previously reported insights indicate that early prototypes of personal artificial intelligence tools are on the horizon, signaling tangible progress that workers can prepare for now through ongoing learning and hands-on practice.