IT shortage persists for nearly 70% of companies
In a recent survey conducted by the Confederation of British Industry (CBI), British businesses have expressed a mixed level of satisfaction with the IT skills of graduates joining their companies. The report, sponsored by Pearson, reveals that a significant number of businesses (68%) are satisfied with the IT skills of new hires, while just over a quarter (26%) are very satisfied. However, a small but notable proportion (5%) are not satisfied, and some employers would like to see improvements in technology education for young people.
The report does not indicate any changes in the level of satisfaction with the IT skills of graduates compared to earlier findings. Despite the general level of satisfaction, some employers are concerned about the shakier grasp of IT skills among some older employees, and half of the businesses surveyed are running remedial IT courses for adult employees.
The use of technology is spreading to new activities, and shortcomings in IT skills are affecting more jobs. Employers are also dissatisfied with graduates' business and customer awareness, and their foreign language skills.
The current reform of the ICT national curriculum is a welcome first step, according to the report. Around a third (30%) of employers would like the government to encourage schools and colleges to develop technology skills among young people. The median starting salary for an IT-related role is £20,000.
The research was conducted by the CBI and was also evaluated by acatech, the German Academy of Engineering. The report concludes that the current situation is cause for concern, with two-thirds of British businesses expressing concern about their existing employees' IT skills.
In summary, while businesses are mostly satisfied with the IT skills of graduates joining their companies, there is a clear need for improvement in technology education for young people and a call for the government to take action. The report serves as a reminder that the digital skills gap is a pressing issue that requires attention and action from all stakeholders.
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