Karl Parkinson asked: There is a skills shortage in many sectors of UK business, right across the board and yet there are certain industries that are experiencing a boom in the form of sustained and significant expansion, even in the face of the current economic difficulties. Industries such as plumbing, construction, oil and gas, midwifery, finance, teaching, nursing, public relations, customer services and IT are all continuing to grow. Many of these are facing difficult times, as the supply of qualified workers has fallen over the last ten years.
The UK’s IT industry is growing at around eight times the national growth average and needs around 150,000 new entrants every year to meet the current levels of demand. The industry itself employs around 1.1 million skilled professionals, most of whom have IT skills that were learned at schools, college and university. However, as the current technologies advance, new IT training is required. This has seen many companies invest substantial amounts in training programmes to prevent any delay in the generation of new products and services.
As the wages in the IT industry continue to rise, more and more youngsters are considering IT careers as a worthwhile option. In conjunction with this, the number of those passing IT qualification exams at GCSE level has increased by 25% and pass-rates going up by around a third. The rising popularity of this subject and its potential for employment saw it rise from just a few thousand entries in 1997 to over 100,000 in just 4 years. With a starting wage for a new recruit at around £30,000 per year, the IT industry appears to offer jobs that are safe and well paid.
Universities have also stepped up to the mark where IT training and IT-based computer courses are concerned, recognizing the vocational relevance of such qualifications - many of which are recognized internationally. There is awareness in the education system for a new generation of pioneers within this industry and these courses seek to equip them with the skills and knowledge necessary to rise to the challenges set by the industrial, commercial and public worlds of tomorrow.
The Government, too, has recognized the benefit that the booming interest in IT qualifications is, in turn, having on the UK’s economy. With the IT industry contributing around £570,000 million to the country’s Gross National Average, it is little wonder that they are plowing investment into this area and are even using opportunities offered by landmark events, such as the 2012 Olympics, to act as a showcase for the new generation of IT professionals.
Those who have not had the benefit of qualifications from school or college need not fret; there are a rising number of institutions offering IT training across the country - in all aspects of the industry. Online computer courses and IT qualifications are rising in popularity as people realize just how their skills can contribute to an industry that shapes our lives on a daily basis. In return, well-qualified individuals can expect challenging and dynamic careers in the world of Information Technology.
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