IT Skills gap to leave UK economy exposed

We all know that IT has long been a growing industry and that not too long ago it was being credited with leading the UK out of recession. 

However, the number of the next generation who taking an interest in the subject during their time in education isn’t keeping up with the increasing number of IT vacancies coming available. This in turn is a sign that the UK is facing a huge skills deficit which could result in the UK’s competitive advantage in the field of IT being lost overseas.

Here at Technojobs we’ve seen the number of jobs advertised soar by over 20% year on year from an average of 19,000 a month in 2011 to over 23,000 in 2012 – an with over 26,000 IT jobson the site now, we’re pretty sure we’ll see the trend continue this year., further evidence that the IT skills gap is expanding.

Our very own Anthony Sherick has said: “The more we rely on technology and the more we crave new technological breakthroughs, the more skilled IT professionals we are going to need to build them and protect us from the new threats that come with each new development.”

The National Audit Office’s latest report re-iterates the fear that without investment in the next generation and their IT capabilities, or encouraging youngsters to take an interest in the subject, Britain could be vulnerable to the threat of cyber-attacks for up to 20 years.

Sherick continues: “Although the government’s move to make Computer Science a core subject is a very welcome one, this will only take the next generation so far in their knowledge of the subject. We need to ensure that students continue their studies to university and beyond, however with such steep tuition fees in place, many potential IT professionals aren’t making it in to the field as they simply cannot afford it.”