Young people with an IT qualification higher than GCSE are
upbeat about their job prospects over the next year despite the
recession, says research. But those without these qualifications
are not.
Over half of 16 to 30 year olds with IT qualifications are
confident about their career opportunities over the next year
despite the recession, according to research carried out by the
British
Computer Society of about 1000 people.
A total of 57% of those interviewed said those without IT skills
will struggle at work.
"Young people realise even basic IT skills are now essential to
their long-term employment prospects," said
Jennifer Hewitt, Chair ofthe BCS's
Young Professionals Group.
The BCS said this suggests there is a
digital divide developing and called for more IT training and
education.
"While it's great that those with IT qualifications are
optimistic, it's worrying for those without IT qualifications if
they can't get the jobs or careers they want. BCS wants to see a
skilled IT workforce and an IT-literate population, not a bigger
digital divide," added Jennifer Hewitt.
One hurdle to a wider take-up of IT skills is the attitude of
parents. Over two thirds (68%) of those questioned said their
parents did not value IT jobs as highly as careers in law and
accountancy. Over half (55%) felt parents should do more to support
children that want to study IT.
"We need to get more children and young people interested in IT
as a subject. That means getting parents to recognise that IT and
computer science are fundamental to society and therefore represent
an excellent career choice too," says Hewitt.
Other research findings:
70% said IT offers global careers
54% believe IT is challenging & exciting
Only 19% think
IT is boring
41% think IT is an easy industry in which to start your own
business
39% think IT is as important a profession as law or medicine