Health of the IT industry threatened as skills shortage looms

Schoolgirls are excited about computers and technology, yet are still being deterred from pursuing IT careers, new research has shown.

The survey revealed that despite a decline of women in IT, 76% of 11-18 year old girls claim to be very interested in computers. However, a majority of girls are either unsure if theyíd want a career in IT (33.6%) or wouldnít consider a job in IT (43.2%).

This may be because over 84.8% believe that working in IT involves administrative or office work. 57.4% would be more interested in better marketed career paths, such as media studies, creative arts or business.

These are the headline findings of independent research commissioned by Toshiba[1] which surveyed 1,112 girls between the ages 11-18 across the UK about their attitudes towards technology and careers in IT.

The research also indicates that technology has a huge impact on schoolgirls and that they need greater career advice regarding the IT industry. Over half of those surveyed donít even know if their school or teachers offer advice on a career in IT or computers.

Schools need to better market the IT industry to schoolgirls and teach them how to translate the skills they have learned into a career in IT. 43% of students who study IT at school admit hey would be interested in furthering their learning/knowledge with a view to a career in computers.

Yet, according to the Office of National Statistics, currently only 17% of students starting computer science degrees are women.

Role models also play a key role in influencing schoolgirls to take up a career in IT. 31% of schoolgirls who are considering a career in computers have been influenced by an adult to do so.

ìWe should be taking advantage of the fact that schoolgirls find technology interesting and exciting,î stated Sandra Smith, head of Information Systems at Toshiba. ìThe public and private sector must work together to ensure equal opportunities for young people and to more effectively market IT as an exciting and rewarding career to young peopleî