Wales sees 200% rise in demand for AI jobs
THE Welsh tech industry has seen the highest rise in demand for cyber skills across the whole of the UK
Wales has seen a 200% increase in demand for AI jobs over the past three years, the second-largest rise after Northern Ireland. The country has also seen the biggest increase in demand of cyber skills in the UK at 351% over the past three years – with a total of 966 tech roles requiring cyber skills in 2019.
The findings came in a new report from Tech Nation, the growth platform for tech companies and leaders, which has revealed insights into the international talent landscape and provides an update on the Global Talent Visa for Digital Technology.
Demand for the Tech Nation Global Talent Visa has continued to rise, with a growth of 45% and 48% in the past two consecutive years.
It is expected to rise in 2021 as, from January, the Tech Nation Visa will be opening up applications to exceptional tech talent from the EU. In 2020, the Global Talent Visa has enabled 421 founders to set up businesses in the UK, up from 400 in 2019.
This global talent is distributed right across the UK, as 41% of endorsed applicants for the visa are based outside London, working in the UK’s strong regional tech hubs.
AI & machine learning is one of the most popular sector destinations for Global Talent Visa-holders, reflecting continued demand for tech skills in this area.
John Davies, chairman of Cyber Wales, said: “The Tech Nation Global Talent Visa not only makes it easier for global cyber talent to find its way to where it is needed most, it also provides hard facts about where the growing demand is for that talent.
“Cyber Wales has collaboration agreements with ecosystems in 30 countries and this includes innovations from our business community, world-leading research from our academic community and vital co-operative relationships from our law enforcement and military communities.
“If you are keen to stretch your cyber wings and work with some of the best cyber organisations in the World, then Tech Nation’s research has provided you with the answer – come to Wales!”
Chris Ganje, the CEO of AMPLYFI, says that for his company access to world-leading talent is its number-one priority and these statistics, driven by the support of special talent visas, shows that Wales is a talent hotspot, not just in the UK, but globally.