By Jo Best, 12 November 2009 10:00
NEWS
The number of IT graduates able to land a job in the industry has slumped, according to new research.
A survey of 2008's IT grads around six months after they'd graduated found the number finding roles in IT-related fields has fallen markedly in some areas.
The number of tech graduates landing roles as IT consultants, software professionals and computer programmers fell by 18 per cent year-on-year, while those getting jobs as technician/helpdesk support dropped by 15 per cent, a research report published this week by the Higher Education Careers Services Unit (Hecsu) found.
(Photo credit: Herkie via Flickr.com under the following Creative Commons licence)
More resilient were web developers or designers, where numbers remained static compared to the year before.
The unemployment rate for 2008's IT students around six months after graduation was 13.7 per cent - up from 9.5 per cent the year before.
For those that have succeeded in finding a new job as an IT professional, there is some good news - graduates' salaries were up 3.2 per cent year-on-year.
"Computer science graduates continue to be sought-after as employers recognise that, in an increasingly competitive market, IT is a vital tool for commercial success. Whilst there is evidence of a reduction this year in those entering employment after graduation, there is also an increase in those undertaking further study," the Hecsu report said.
Comments
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1. Darin Edmunds, Micro Focus
Though this research shows unemployment among IT workers has grown, it is estimated that the UK technology sector still needs 140,000 entrants per year to sustain itself. A reduction in the number of IT graduates entering the industry will therefore be detrimental to any ambition the UK may have of becoming a world leader in technology.
It is the responsibility of government, businesses and academia to guarantee the long-term supply of IT skills is a priority, despite the recession. More importantly, students must be encouraged to study the IT skills required by business, such as the ability to maintain the core systems upon which most organisations will continue to rely for years to come. Given the correct encouragement and a strong skills base, the IT industry is well-positioned to lead Britain out of recession, generating wealth, prosperity and jobs for the future.
2. anonymous
IT is a career for people earning their living in India.