The IT industry's approach to training is "exemplary"
and better than most other sectors, said Lord Leitch, whose
influentialreview on skillsunderpins the
government's policy on training.
Speaking at a Westminster select committee on Monday (28 April),
Lord Leitch said the willingness of IT employers to work with
government and universities to improve training and education is
"incredibly impressive".
The Leitch Review highlighted the UK's need to develop better
high-level skills if it is to compete on a global scale. He
emphasised that much of the input into training courses - as well
as the funding - must come from employers.
Leitch was asked to justify his report's conclusions, the final
part of which was published in December 2006, by MPs at a
Department of Universities, Innovation and Skills select
committee.
Employers need to be shown the incentives of investing in
training. IT employers are setting an example that others should
follow, he said.
"IT technicians and professionals are becoming more important
for the UK economy. We were incredibly impressed at how IT
companies across the nation have come together for a common
good."
He said that the global nature of IT means the industry will
have to work even harder to ensure Britain retains its
competitiveness.
"India and China are developing IT professionals at a meteoric
rate. IT must be one of the most globalised industries. This steps
up the pace. If you are going to succeed, you have to be better
than your global competitors."
The government set up Sector Skills Councils in each industry to
give employers more input into education. Lord Leitch described
E-Skills, the IT sector skills council, as "exemplary", and a
"leading light".
He said, "E-Skills got together and said, we need more graduates
who study a curriculum that suits business. They pooled resources
and worked with universities and employers to design courses. This
is the way forward."
Leitch said that not all sector skills councils were "doing
well". He said, "It is about strong leadership, getting employers
to come together, and that's what we saw in E-Skills."