Member Article

Government must create new software jobs

In his Budget announcement, the Chancellor should create 5000 new software trainees to tackle youth unemployment and to drive industry growth, according to Sunderland Software City.

By combining on-the-job and technical training, the large scale project would address the UK’s shortage of skilled software workers whilst also addressing the issue of unemployment for 16-25 year olds.

Chief Executive Officer David Dunn believes that the biggest obstacle that businesses in the sector are currently facing is the lack of necessary skills, and the introduction of this scheme could help to alleviate this issue.

He commented: “There are excellent IT training projects out there, but they require a big commitment in money and time, which many companies find off-putting. We think if the government was to pilot a scheme where it paid training costs and a small bursary to cover living expenses, take up would dramatically increase.

“We appreciate that money is tight, we believe the government could deliver this project it for less than a penny per taxpayer.”

Under the scheme, the Government would finance tuition fees for an intensive training course through universities and colleges, followed by placements in software companies.

Course fees are estimated at £4000, while living expenses would be supported by a £3000 bursary. Sunderland Software City is also volunteering to collaborate with local learning institutions to lead on the project.

Mr Dunn added: “Industry training body eSkills have estimated that the UK needs over 100,000 new IT staff every year, so if anything 5000 software trainees is a drop in the ocean – but it’s a practical, achievable and affordable step the government could take this week to support UK software”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .