Older workers are to be offered free training in programming, IT
support and IT project management as part of a European-funded
project to tackle long-term skill shortages in small- and medium
sized companies.
The Mature People into IT project, which kicks off in September,
will offer in-depth training in IT skills to workers over the age
of 40 who either want to move into the IT profession, or improve
their employment prospects in other industries.
The programme follows research by the Open University, which showed
that employers recognise the benefits that older workers can bring
to organisations, but often unconsciously discriminate against
them.
"Our industry is still disproportionately male and
disproportionately young," said John O'Sullivan, programme
director.
"About half the workforce is under 30 and two-thirds under 40. At
the same time the industry complains about weaknesses in the
workforce, poor customer service, project management skills and
business skills - just the sort of thing that people over 40 are
good at."
Workers over the age of 40 in small- and medium sized companies
will be able to apply for free training in subjects, including
programming, networks, PC installation, maintenance and support, IT
project management, Cadcam and PC users skills.
The project will offer candidates in-depth training leading to
supplier-specific qualifications, National Vocational
Qualifications, A+ and other widely recognised certificates.
"Because it is a two-year programme, there is the opportunity for
in-depth training. It could help people move into IT or advance
their IT skills in their existing employment," O'Sullivan
said.
Although demand for IT staff has fallen in recent months, the
E-skills National Training Organisation said that the there is
still a need to tackle longer-term IT skills shortages. It warned
that employers will need to hire more older workers as the average
age of the workforce increases.
The European Social Fund has awarded an £800,000 grant, matched by
a further £1m from colleges and the E-Skills National Training
Organisation, to run the programme in Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire,
Essex, Hertfordshire, Norfolk and Suffolk.
Projects to train workers over 40 in IT skills in London and
Yorkshire and Humberside are expected to win European funds within
the next few months. Overall, there will be about 1,500 places
available.