A lack of IT funding in schools is hindering technology
education, according to a survey of teachers.
The survey, conducted by digital design provider
Man and
Machine, interviewed 100 teachers, heads of year, and ICT
managers working at secondary schools and colleges throughout the
UK.
Key findings included that 82% of respondents believed their
budget was not enough to prepare students for employment within
sectors such as IT and
computer aided design
(CAD).
Man and Machine's survey also revealed the challenges that
school IT managers faced when purchasing IT equipment.
The inability to provide up-to-date facilities that meet both
teachers' and students' needs within current budgets was high on
the list of challenges.
Tim Seaman, managing director at Man and Machine, said, "With
the government pledging an extra £230m to schools for this year's
budget, the results of the survey show that the money is certainly
not being invested in preparing pupils for work in the IT
sector.
"It is clear that there is a real demand for technology by
students and staff in the education sector and if this isn't
addressed soon, future employees are going to suffer greatly when
they begin working."
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