Training organisations will launch a new Modern Apprenticeship (MA)
scheme in a matter of weeks, in the latest bid to ease the UK's
shortage of IT professionals.
The controversial programme has been redesigned to make it more
relevant to employers and candidates, following concerns that
youngsters are dropping out before they complete their
qualifications.
The move follows research by Microsoft and IDC, which shows the
UK will be short of 300,000 IT professionals within three
years.
The IT National Training Organisation (ITNTO), is pressing the
Government to back the MA with a campaign to encourage IT
departments to train more young people.
"We need to show youngsters what IT is about. If we get 1% or 2%
new blood then we'll have a big impact on the skills shortage,"
said Gordon Greaves, director of ITNTO, which administers the
MA.
EDS, IBM, Norwich Union and the Royal Bank of Scotland are among
those backing the scheme, which has attracted 6,000 youngsters over
the past three years.
The scheme offers school leavers and graduates training in IT
skills over three or four years, through a combination of work
experience and classroom training. Companies can claim subsidies if
they take on youngsters under the age of 25.
But the scheme, currently under review, ran into controversy
after it emerged that a significant number of youngsters starting
MAs are failing to complete their training.
The ITNO believes a combination of poor training, and growing
pressure on employers is having a significant effect.
The new scheme is designed to appeal directly to employers by
combining work experience, NVQs, and Key Skills qualifications with
training in vendor-specific skills.
In future candidates will be selected more carefully to ensure
they are capable of completing the course. Candidates, employers
and external training providers will be expected to work more
closely to develop suitable training programmes.
ITNTO claims its revised IT Modern Apprenticeship, due to be
presented to the Government next month, could make significant
inroads into the skills shortage, providing it receives the right
Government backing.