The IT Professional Skills Gap

Recent research has revealed a gap between the skills brought to organisations by new graduates and those in their early years of an IT or computing career, and the skills required to progress beyond a purely technical role. Technical skills are taught well by universities and colleges, whereas professional skills are typically learnt "on the job". Due to technology changes (shrinking the world) and particularly offshoring and outsourcing, many traditional career paths are no longer available, and it has become more difficult to gain the professional skills required to progress into more senior positions and management.

This seminar presents the findings of the research (by e-Skills UK, the sector skills council for IT & Telecoms) and the courses and programmes that educational institutions such as the Open University are offering to help organisations and individuals work together to accelerate the development of their staff into these professional positions.