The IT industry is among the top career choices for UK
teenagers, but there needs to be more explanation on the variety of
roles available to new entrants, a survey has found.
The IT industry was voted second behind the legal profession when
judged on career prospects in a survey of more than 1,000 teenagers
commissioned by the government's Foundation De-grees.
IT was also voted as one of the top three sectors for those young
people who dream of becoming the boss, but 68% of UK teens did not
feel they had an adequate understanding of the range of jobs
available in the IT industry.
The survey also found that the IT profession has an image problem
among young women, where 21% of female respondents said IT was a
male-dominated field.
On a more positive note, the IT industry was judged the second most
"aspirational" sector to work in by teenagers. Nearly 90% said they
were prepared to work long hours to advance their careers and 58%
said they would not be deterred by extra study.
A spokesman for Foundation Degrees said, "Employers need to let
young people know that the door is open to them."