Demand for temporary/contract workers in the professional sector is expected to exceed previous records in 2012 and 2013, according to Staffing Industry Analysts' U.S. Staffing Industry Forecast.

Specifically, the IT Staffing and Engineering/Design industry segments within the Professional/Specialty sector are expected to beat previous records for staffing revenue. IT Staffing's revenue previously peaked in 2000.  This year, the industry is expected to generate 107% of 2000's revenue by the end of this year and 116% in 2013. In 2012, Engineering/Design is expected to bring in 106% of the revenue from its previous peak year of 2008 and 111% in 2013.

Meanwhile, the usage of "temps" in the office/clerical industry appears to be declining. It is projected that in 2012, the industry will only hit 85% of its previous 2006 peak and only 89% in 2013.

This correlates with what Top Echelon^® Contracting has been experiencing. Engineering and IT have landed in our top three industries for contract placements for the past several years, and we are expecting the same for 2012. We have particularly seen an increase in the engineering/manufacturing sector and have begun accepting more placements in this area.

So what does this mean to you as a recruiter?  Well first of all, if you are looking for a niche in which to offer contract staffing services, it's pretty clear that IT and Engineering are good places to start and have longevity. 

Debbie Fledderjohann is the President of Top Echelon Contracting, Inc.