The IT skills crisis will damage the UK economy, said
new British Computer Society president Nigel Shadbolt.
In an interview with the BBC, Shadbolt said, “If we're not
careful, the UK is going to lose its pre-eminent position as a
knowledge-based economy.”
Data released by Shadbolt shows that in the past four years, the
number of students studying IT and computing has fallen by a third,
while employers' demand for IT skills has doubled.
This shortfall of students could result in IT jobs being lost to
countries such as China and India, which Shadbolt believes are
better equipping younger generations with good technology
skills.
As a result, many other UK industries that rely on competent IT
specialists would suffer. Steps must therefore be taken now to
ensure a skilled supply of graduates in the future, Shadbolt
said.
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