Dave Sadler, head of IT & Digital Recruitment at Newport-based Acorn discusses some of the ways the current IT skills gap is being addressed

 

The Welsh Government is doing a great job attracting new digital and technology businesses, and as a result Wales is fast becoming a hotspot for companies in all sectors. Therefore, we need to make sure we have a quality, skilled work force available to enable these businesses to grow.

Though it is a sad fact that there is a skills gap, the positive is that we are addressing it and steps are being put in place to overcome the issue in the short-term, while questions are being asked about what can be done in the long-term.

At Acorn we have set up an innovative programme of ‘bootcamps’ to help meet the demands of technology and IT employers and also address the shortage of IT and digital skills. The bootcamps are aimed at people who have a passion for IT and digital technologies and suitable transferable skills and qualifications, but may not have a specific IT-related qualification.

However, in the long-term the Welsh Government needs to intervene to ensure that IT is on the curriculum at both primary and secondary level. Sparking an interest at a young age is invaluable.

A good example of this is the Digital Youth Club which was launched in 2014 in Newport by young entrepreneur, Nick Theodorou. The after-school club was not tied to any particular school curriculum but looked in to the different technologies that were available. The idea came about when Nick realised the current curriculum surrounding IT, digital and technologies was very limited for students.

Clubs like these are essential in proactively helping to address emerging skills shortages. The clubs are equally important for recruiting emerging talent and also provide a platform for young people to explore and develop specialist skills, which are only going to enhance our future workforce.

The Liveware forum was set up last year with the aim of discussing the issue of the skills gap. Leading software companies and stakeholders were invited to this event and it is a real opportunity to consider how the issues facing the future skills requirements are viewed, and together what we as an industry, in collaboration with policy-makers can do.

Digital 2015 is another great place to learn more about digital technologies. The event brings together delegates from all corners of the digital economy to learn, share ideas and make connections. Part of the event is the Skills Fair which allows delegates – both jobseekers and employers – to find more information on how to develop IT skills.