Government urges IT to offer more work experience

A quarter of young people want to build a career in IT, according to poll

Businesses are more likely to employ those with work experience

The government is calling on more IT employers to offer work experience to school and college leavers looking for a job in technology.

Prime minister Gordon Brown launched the Backing Young Britain campaign which he claims will help 85,000 young people find work opportunities. The campaign has the backing of 150 employers including Microsoft.

But with 24 per cent of young people wanting to build a career in IT, Brown wants more IT companies and IT departments to come on board.

For businesses looking to offer more than work experience and with vacancies to fill, Jobcentre Plus can set up trials that give employer and jobseeker the chance to test mutual compatibility, according to Jobcentre Plus head of employer engagement Sue Veszpremi.

“We can help employers set up work trials, which are up to six weeks long and follow an interview with one of our customers. They allow potential employers to assess, in the workplace, what an applicant brings to their business," she said.

A Populus poll for the Department for Work and Pensions showed that although three in five businesses offer placements, demand for jobs among young people remains high.

Forty per cent of school leavers say they are yet to secure an opportunity, with a third saying it was because the employer had already filled all their placements and a further third saying the business was not offering placements at that time.

More than two thirds (69 per cent) of employers say they are more likely to hire someone who has spent time in their organisation.

Dr Adam Marshall, dDirector of policy at the British Chambers of Commerce, said most members offer placements.

"Businesses recognise how important placements can be for young people trying to improve their CVs, and for spotting future talent. If more and more businesses feel able to offer placements, Britain's future workforce will be better trained and more job-ready," he said.

Business can pledge to support Backing Young Britain by offering volunteer places, providing work experience, and offering internships and apprenticeships.