Forecast: 130 degrees

I was beyond dumbfounded to discover this week that research has shown entry-level jobs in the IT industry to be well paid and highly sought after.

Figures from the Association of Graduate Recruiters claim that, despite the number of vacancies continuing to rise, an average of 83 people will apply for each graduate position this year. This is up from 69 last year, 49 in 2010 and a paltry 31 in 2008. Average salaries are also set to rise for the first time in three years, growing two per cent to £25,500.

Much to my amazement, IT and telecoms has emerged as one the biggest and most popular sectors, contributing a not-insignificant 13 per cent of all vacancies this year. And, despite the wealth of jobs on offer, these posts will each be applied for by a whopping 130 college leavers, on average.

Salaries in the sector are also marginally ahead of the curve at £25,750. And, bear in mind, that average has probably been dragged down by the channel, where, as the loyal Dodgi team will tell you, the average sales starter job pays eight and a half grand. But you can't put a price on limitless opportunity.