IT training should focus on fundamental skills says study

15:40 3rd December 2008

International research carried out by Micro Focus has revealed that businesses are neglecting fundamental IT training for employees.

The report entitled Safeguarding the Corporate IT Assets examined 450 international businesses and found that two thirds stated the importance of core IT skill-sets.

However, 56 per cent of IT budgets were spent on recruitment and training of people with web-based IT skills rather than fundamental IT capabilities.

Stephen Kelly, chief executive of Micro Focus, commented: "[Businesses] must also ensure they are recruiting the professionals that will maintain and develop the lifeblood of their IT - their core systems and information. Organisations must quickly adjust their IT investment strategies to deal with recession realities."

He added that the economic downturn was prompting companies to halt investment in IT skills but in fact this would prove a false economy in the long-term and impinge upon the survival of the company.

Research by Axios Systems for Globe One has shown IT professionals with ITIL certification earn 40 per cent more than those without the qualification.