The IT sector is facing a skills shortage as demand for employees is out-weighing supply. e-skills UK is aiming to address this by inspiring and supporting young people to get into IT.
With £500k investment from the UK Commission for Employment and Skills, e-skills UK is developing four solutions to help young people across the UK become interested in and successfully secure IT related work. These solutions are: Computer Clubs for Girls (CC4G); interactive Careers Websites for Scotland and Wales; the employer led Degree course (ITMB), and; an industry backed graduate Internship programme.
The number of individuals and organisations involved is already on the rise. CC4G has 1,920 members and 151 sponsored schools so far. The ITMB course is now being taught in 14 universities to 850 students and supported by 65 employers. Work has commenced on drafting up business model options for the Internships programme to be tested with target customers over the coming months. The specifications for the new Welsh and Scottish websites have been developed and both sites have been launched with ministerial support.
Supported by employer commitment to the value of over £500k, the activities will develop the skills of young people that employers have identified they need and value.
Getting young people into work is critically important in the current economic climate. Do you think the UK Commission is right to support e-skills UK’s work in inspiring and helping young people into IT related careers?
If you have any opinions on the projects we are co-investing in please comment or if you would like more information please visit the investment portfolio pages on our website.
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