Recent studies have shown that 2009 graduates face a harder task to find a job than their predecessors, with vacancies down 13.5% on 2008, according to research by Highfliers, recently published by the BBC.

This research has also shown that employers have cut recruitment targets by 28% with 14,370 graduates recruited this year, against a target of 19,951.

Meanwhile, the Metro has reported that there are almost 50 graduates fighting for each job this year, compared with 30 graduates last year.

Our own research within the IT industry has shown the fast-growing importance of being ready to ‘hit the ground running’. Employers, more than ever before, are looking for graduates who have already gained the technical skills and certifications to do this and possess the strong communication skills to exploit their technical skills to their full potential.

At Just IT, we’ve been seeing a sharp rise in demand for the NPP from savvy graduates who are beating the rush to stand out from the crowd - and with this year’s graduate recruitment quotas rapidly filling up, there is no better time than now to invest in your future.

If you are interested in starting or changing to a career in IT, why not read about our £18-25k Job Guarantee?