IT needs to recognise benefits of apprentices

14:04 21st August 2008

IT employers need to recognise the benefits of offering apprenticeships to young people, according to a technology strategy expert.

David Way, national director of apprenticeships, emphasised that apprentices provide employers with a highly motivated and loyal workforce, as well as a productivity boost from "day one".

In 2007, 1,638 learners started apprenticeships in IT services and development, which is a fraction of the 250,000 people taking apprenticeships in England annually.

In addition, the sector skills council e-Skills UK have said that 13 per cent of the companies it works for are suffering with a shortage of skilled workers.

Writing for vunet.com, Mr Way encouraged businesses to "connect with schools and recognise the huge untapped talent across the country".

Earlier this week, it was disclosed that the number students taking IT-related A-levels suffered another fall in numbers this year, causing concerns over further skill shortages in the industry in the future.

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