Get with the programme

We no longer live in a world where knowledge defines ability. In a profound sense, the internet has democratised the pursuit of knowledge more than any other invention since the introduction of the printing press in 15th century Western Europe. Now anyone can access millions of sources of information at the touch of a button. But the skills needed to harness, analyse and re-interpret that information are as much a barrier to employment for those without them, as they are a career advantage to those who possess them.

According to e-skills UK, over the past 20 years, the proportion of people using IT in their job nearly doubled to 77 per cent. Similarly, a recent IDC study predicted that the IT market will help create more than 78,000 new jobs in the UK by the end of 2013.

That is why IT skills are absolutely pivotal to Britain’s economic success, not just in our sector, but across every area of business. Indeed, the reality is that for many people currently out of work, IT skills represent their best opportunity for finding sustainable employment.

Whatever the outcome of the next election, future government support for IT training will be essential. However, I believe the IT industry itself needs to take a greater lead in addressing the issue.

At Microsoft we recently trialled a new IT apprenticeship in the West Midlands in conjunction with Zenos and e-skills UK, as part of our wider “Britain Works” campaign. The programme was specifically designed to create a more streamlined process for IT employers. This enabled them to access and train, with government support, apprentices in roles directly relevant to their businesses. Next month, the programme will be rolled out across the UK, with the aim of placing more than 3,000 new apprentices over the next three years.

A lot more still needs to be done across the industry to widen access to IT training across different communities and different social groups, particularly in regions where traditional industries such as manufacturing are declining.

How we decide to meet this challenge will define not just the future of our own sector, but the shape of the UK economy as a whole in the next decade and beyond.

Stephen Uden is head of skills and economic affairs at Microsoft