While cybersecurity and software represent the two tech areas with the greatest skills gap, 45% and 37% respectively, almost every kind of and level of tech job also faces a shortage, according to the IT Industry Outlook 2025. “The imbalance between supply and demand will force more consideration of entry level roles, even if these roles may require definition in areas like cybersecurity and data,” according to the report.
Meanwhile, artificial intelligence, remote working, academic partnerships and more will also have a big impact on the IT workforce this year, according to members of the GTIA Workforce Advisory Council and other GTIA members asked what to expect in 2025. Here’s what they had to say.
Digital Natives Drive Remote Work Innovations
“As the workforce continues to evolve, the younger generation, who has grown up immersed in technology and online interactions, is driving significant change. In 2025, I predict that remote work will become even more integral to industries, as these digital natives increasingly prioritize flexibility in where and when they work. This shift will make remote work more valuable, particularly within the tech sector, where demand for talent is high. As companies adapt to these new expectations, we’ll see greater innovation and productivity fueled by this tech-savvy, flexible workforce.” –
Desraie Thomas, senior sales development specialist, Compliance Scorecard
AI’s Impact Will Be Felt in Workforce Management
“AI and automation will play an even bigger role at work, handling tasks ranging from basic admin to complex data analysis helping companies make decisions faster. These technologies will enhance productivity and efficiency but for this to succeed companies need to train employees to effectively work with these technologies.” –
Hannah O’Donnell, vice president of sales, GreatAmerica Financial Services
Partnerships with Academia Will Ready Job-Ready Grads
“Collaboration between tech and educational institutions will focus on embedding industry-relevant curricula into academic programs. Partnerships will expand co-op programs, enabling students to gain hands-on experience in AI, cloud computing or cybersecurity before graduation. Universities will increasingly integrate vendor-backed certifications into degree programs to ensure graduates are job-ready.” – Stephen Thomas, chief revenue officer, Asigra
Digital Literacy, Soft Skills Take Center Stage in Training Programs
“There will be increased demand for workers skilled in AI, machine learning, data analysis, cloud computing, and cybersecurity. I expect that the software development sector, particularly in newer areas like low-code and no-code development, will grow significantly. Digital literacy will become even more critical across all sectors. Workers will need to continuously upskill to keep pace with technological advancements. Companies are likely to invest heavily in digital skills training programs. While technical skills will always be crucial, there will also be a growing emphasis on soft skills like creativity, critical thinking, and emotional intelligence, which are more difficult to automate especially in service industries.” –
Robert Forget, chief revenue officer, Credivera
High Priority for Threat Intelligence, Incident Response Skills
“With the growing frequency and sophistication of cyberattacks, cybersecurity roles will continue to see a massive demand not only within the channel, but within the IT sector as a whole. Companies will prioritize hiring specialists in threat intelligence, incident response and zero-trust architecture
. Additionally, organizations may invest in upskilling current employees across all departments to better address cybersecurity at a foundational level, reflecting the mantra that ‘security is everyone's responsibility.’” –
Caitlyn Jopp, vice president of community and engagement, Channel Program
H1 Visa Regulations Could Change Talent Landscape
“The potential tightening of H1 visa regulations could trigger a significant IT talent shortage in 2025. As immigration policies potentially become more restrictive, technology companies may face unprecedented challenges in recruiting and retaining global tech talent. This shift could compel organizations to develop more robust domestic talent development strategies and explore alternative workforce solutions.” –
Omer Mutaqi, co-founder and CEO, BuraqHR
MSPs Turn to International Talent to Lower Costs
“In 2025, remote work dynamics are shifting. While demand for remote work remains high among employees, global competition is driving down salaries for U.S. remote workers as MSPs increasingly hire international talent at lower costs. Challenges with remote hires, such as discipline and management issues, have led MSPs to prioritize flexibility as a reward rather than an expectation. At the same time, demand for onsite, hybrid and local U.S. employees is rising, especially for roles requiring occasional client visits. Many candidates see this hybrid approach as a reasonable compromise, with salaries remaining competitive for those with proven remote work experience.” –
Ted White, CEO, VerTalSol
As Security Threat Landscape Grows, So Does Cyber Skills Gap
“The cyber skills gap will continue to grow as the attack surface grows in size and complexity with no relief in sight. We simply do not know what we are facing and far too few have a broad understanding of risks and viable ways to mitigate them. The stress on defenders is growing every day and frankly, cybersecurity is a thankless job that offers some compensation in renumeration, but I am not sure we will see enough qualified people willing to live that life for money. We cannot continue to look away from the incredible toll stress and exhaustion take on the typical IT security professional. The added risk of lawsuits and even jail for top CISOs is and will continue to have a chilling effect on the quantity and quality of individuals willing to take the job for such little respect and compensation.” –
Kevin McDonald, COO and CISO, Alvaka Networks
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