Training providers expect recession to prompt surge in demand

12:00 2nd March 2009

Training providers are expecting a surge in demand in the coming weeks and months as more people seek to expand their skillset in response to the recession.

The Guardian reports that a variety of new programmes have been launched by the government under the name Catalyst, which are designed to provide training for both young people and older individuals who may be seeking a career change.

The government has said that more young people are expected to enrol on courses offering computer training and expansion of additional skills in order to improve their job prospects in the current economy.

Alan Clarke, sector engagement manager for the Catalyst programme at Lifelong Learning UK, which encourages people to pursue new careers in further education, told the paper: "Individuals, particularly in professions or industries where there are likely to be redundancies, may want to up-skill or, with a new career in mind, learn new skills."

Computer People recently found that more IT professionals are gravitating towards small businesses partly to pursue more rapid career advancement.