IT A-levels suffer fall in students

14:54 18th August 2008

IT-related A-levels suffered another fall in numbers this year, with fewer students taking ICT of computing than in 2007, suggesting skill shortages in the industry in the future.

12,277 students received ICT A-level results today compared with 13,360 in 2007, which is a drop of 9.7 per cent.

The figures for Computing saw a greater fall, with 5,068 students taking the course, down 9.7 per cent from the 5,610 last year.

Robin McGill, chief executive of the Institute of Engineering and Technology, said, "Too few young people are taking science, technology, engineering and mathematics subjects.

"Somewhere along the line we are letting young people down by not opening their eyes to the huge potential of a career in technology."

These results also highlighted the gender gap in IT education, with more than 12,000 male students taking an ICT course compared to just over 5,000 females.

Computeach offers computer courses and careers advice to help you start your career in IT.