Re: MIDRANGE-JOBS Digest, Vol 5, Issue 184

[Jon Paris <Jon.Paris@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

On 28-Nov-07, at 11:54 AM, Joe Pluta wrote:

>   I defy you to tell me there aren't skilled RPG programmers  
> available in the
>   US.  And yet companies like TCS make tons of money providing  
> consultants for
>   RPG jobs.

Like Joe I have no interest in getting into the political aspects of  
this discussion (both of us staying out probably balances the  
political ying and yang <grin>) - but I would to like to make one  
point that is so often missed in this debate.

I have found that the issue is _not_ a lack of skilled RPG  
programmers - it is a lack of _affordable_** RPG programmers.  I have  
had many customers ask me how they can find junior and intermediate  
RPG programmers to fill positions they have available.

I don't know what the answer to that is.  I have suggested that they  
contact local community colleges etc. but most are unwilling to take  
on kids with no experience.  It seems to be a catch-22 situation.

** "affordable" is in the eye of the beholder.  One customer I know  
in California is looking for an intermediate P/A - initial pay at  
around $60K - but they can't find anyone at that salary level.  I  
would have said that was a reasonable amount for an intermediate  
position but ...

Jon Paris

www.Partner400.com
www.SystemiDeveloper.com