Metro Atlanta ranked 11th in the nation in creating new tech jobs over the last two years, and the growth is fueling the need for more office space, according to a report released this week.
The report by CBRE, a commercial real estate services firm, said there has been a notable increase in the number of tech companies coming to the area or expanding existing operations.
Between 2011 and 2013, companies added about 6,200 tech services jobs, an 11 percent increase, CBRE said. Metro Atlanta, the nation’s 9th biggest metro area, currently employs about 64,000 tech workers, but more are needed.
Companies have openings for about 3,000 information technology workers across the state, according the Technology Association of Georgia. The biggest demand is for systems engineers, architects and consultants, management and software developers. Demand for workers can also be found in healthcare, communication services, logistics and data services.
Earlier this year, business leaders told state leaders that there is not enough talent to meet the industry’s needs.
TAG spokesman Tony Cooper said the group is constantly looking for ways to attract more tech workers to the state, especially those in the 18 to 33 age group.
A monthlong “hackathon” competition that allows teams of coders, developers and engineers to come up with mobile solutions for three local nonprofits is also a way to get IT workers to look at Georgia as a possible employment option. The winning team in the contest, sponsored by TAG and the Metro Atlanta Chamber, receives $30,000 in cash and prizes.
“We see it as a way to engage tech talent both here in the state and outside the state,”Cooper said. Demand and prices for office space is another indication of how the tech industry is growing. Office rents grew 3.3 percent during the two-year period from 2012 to 2014, compared with 1.7 percent from 2011 to 2013. Rising rents are an indication of demand, partly fueled by companies relocating to the area.
Internet phone company Vonage, for example, plans to move its business services division from Midtown Atlanta to an office tower in Cobb County. Payments processing giant Fiserv announced earlier this year it will consolidate its metro Atlanta operations in Alpharetta and add 500 new jobs in the region over the next five years. And Coca-Cola said it was moving 2,000 IT workers to downtown Atlanta.
The flow of venture capital is yet another sign that the tech industry continues to grow. The first half of the year saw a 40 percent increase in number of companies raising at least $2 million in funding, according to CBRE’s research.
