Training Toolkit

Story: Timms: IT education key for a competitive UK

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Andy Sinclair, Micro Focus

Stephen Timms is right to highlight that education and training is imperative if Britain is to avert the impending skills crisis with which it is faced. Most crucially however, this training must be given whilst catering to the needs of a business, so producing individuals with the IT skills that can be used in a business context.

At present, one of the more pressing of these requirements would seem to be proficiency with mature core systems. Whilst many major corporations will continue to rely upon their existing IT infrastructure in their day-to-day tasks, those equipped to deal with these systems continues to dwindle, with the average age of such a developer estimated to be over 45. If firms are unable to evolve these systems, UK businesses’ ability to compete with their international counterparts will be seriously affected.

Equipping new professionals with skills such as these should be seen as the responsibility of all parties affected. Whilst the efforts of organisations such as e-skills UK go some way towards countering the country’s skills gap, companies must also take responsibility for ensuring new employees are equipped with this vital mix of IT and business skills if this crisis is truly to be averted.

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