A-level studentsand other young
people who have not yet set on a career path are being urged to
consider an IT career by theBritish Computer Society(BCS).
BCS also hopes to encourage young people - and
young women in particular - who have not taken the traditional
route of science-based A-levels and university, to investigate a
variety of ways into the IT industry.
The BCS call comes as school students receive their A-level
results.
Mike Rodd, BCS director of learned society and external
relations, says, "IT can be both a lucrative and satisfying career
choice and we want young people to know they have not missed the
boat on getting into IT, just because they did not study the
'right' combination of A-levels, or because they chose to go out to
work instead."
Figures from university application administrator
Ucas for 2007 show a modest increase in the number of
applications for computer science undergraduate courses.
But the UK is still expected to have an estimated 40% drop in
graduates from IT-related courses in 2009, from the peak in 2004.
This could have serious repercussions for the UK economy, which
greatly depends on its ability to exploit IT effectively, said
Rodd.
Rodd said, "IT is driving business growth in the UK, and is also
behind a number of extremely important private and public sector
projects. We need bright and capable individuals to be leaders in
IT-enabled change, yet we are concerned there will be critical
shortages over the next decade."
There are a variety of routes into an IT career, including
part-time courses, work placements, or studying an IT-related
subject at university.
Rodd said, "A-levels and A-level choices are often portrayed as
the make-or-break time for teenagers in terms of their career
choices.
"However, for those A-level students and other young people who
do not have a clue what they want to do, but who have an interest
and ability with computers, they will be surprised to discover the
breadth and range of exciting roles that can make use of their
talents."
Comment on this article:
computer.weekly@rbi.co.uk