Fewer graduates getting jobs in IT

09:41 28th May 2009

Fewer graduates seem to be pursuing careers in IT or undertaking computer training, despite increases in its popularity, according to e-skills UK.

Research from the British Computer Society (BCS) suggests that young people between the ages of 16 and 30 consider IT to be one of their preferred career objectives, but this has not yet been backed up by recruitment or study figures.

Karen Price, chief executive officer at e-skills UK, said that the problem of fewer people pursuing computer training is a serious issue that needs to be addressed more effectively.

Ms Price said: "We are delighted that young people are getting the message that IT is an inspiring and rewarding sector to work in. Yet we should not underestimate the challenge we still face. Every year fewer young people choose to study or embark on a career in IT."

She added that over the last five years there has been a 50 per cent decline in the number of people applying to study IT at degree level.

Nearly 60 per cent of young people aged between 16 and 30 think employees lacking computer training are at a disadvantage in the modern workplace, according to a BCS survey.