Is the 'techie anorak' image to blame for the IT industry crisis?

A new poll from GCS, IT recruitment specialist, reveals that 40 per cent of respondents view IT professionals as ëtechie geeksí with no social skills and no social lives - as they have to work such long hours. The associated negative image of the IT professional could be one of the main reasons why the industry is still failing to attract more people.

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With demand for IT staff reaching unparalleled levels across Europe, the future of the UK's IT industry hangs on its ability to shake off its negative image. It is essential that more people and, in particular, women are encouraged to follow careers in IT in order to address this deficit. With careers in the 21st century now presenting equal opportunities for all, it is unusual to find that 12 per cent still believe IT to be a male dominated industry.

Only 17 per cent viewed IT as a boring subject, so the interest in IT itself is certainly not the problem, but being able to harness this interest in order to drive students to take careers in IT is.

The industry is keen to shake off its ëanorakí image, but GCSí research suggests otherwise. ìIt seems we still have a long way to go before the message becomes clearî, says Chris Bartlett, GCSí managing director. ìThe IT industry needs to take significant and swift action now to make the necessary changes to avoid a serious shortage of staff and ensure profitable growth in the future.

ìItís a common misconception that the IT industry is full of ëtechie geeksí working in back offices, when in fact the reality is that itís now much more diverse. Part of the challenge is creating a balanced image to attract the right candidates.î

Worryingly, GCS also found that 31 per cent thought IT was a hard profession to get into. ìThis actually couldnít be further from the truth. Itís a common misconception but the truth is that the industry is actually now opening its doors to people from all walks of life,î explains Bartlett. IT businesses now hope to pull candidates into IT roles with promises of high income and less competition for jobs, but they must take more action to promote this fact and dispel the myth.

ìThe UKís IT industry should make small changes now, which could impact the skills shortage. For example, by working with a local school or college you could offer students career advice or actively promote careers in IT, so girls as well as boys are clear on the opportunities a career in IT can present. This could be a great way of tapping into the local talent pool. Even if budgets and resources are small, companies can work with a local school or college by offering work experience or career workshops. This will in turn bring new talent into the industry and will demonstrate passion for driving diversity,î concludes Bartlett.