UK firms warned over impending IT skills crisis

Hampshire firm HSLH is urging local businesses to boost employeesí learning after research revealed the UK is facing a national IT skills crisis.

The survey findings revealed that one in three firms is currently experiencing difficulties recruiting suitable candidates for IT based jobs - and that the shortage could leave Britain unable to compete internationally in as little as ten yearsí time.

Denise Candy, chief executive of Fareham-based HSLH - which provides online learndirect courses to thousands of businesses across Hampshire, the Isle of Wight and Berkshire ñ is warning local firms to tackle the crisis urgently if they want to maintain their competitive edge.

The study was carried out by the industry body representing employers in the IT, telecoms and contact centre sectors, E-Skills UK. It revealed that many employers are also aware that their workforces are inadequately equipped, with 25 per cent reporting that their businesses are suffering because of a lack of basic IT skills amongst staff.

Denise commented: ìAdvances in technology are not something which companies can afford to ignore. There are few businesses which donít rely on it, but maintaining up-to-date skills need not be a costly or complicated problem.

ìLearndirect offers a wide range of IT courses dealing with everything from spreadsheets to databases and word processing, which enable employees to update their IT practices from the workplace.

ìThey offer enormous flexibility because they can be fitted around work commitments, without having to give employees separate time off for study. Online tutors are provided, who can help in the event of problems, minimising the amount of internal management input required. As a result, e-learning is a highly focused and affordable way of training staff.î

The report also highlighted that some 1.4 million people across the UK need to upgrade their computer skills within the next three years, and Denise is urging companies to commit to training programmes in order to equip their businesses for the future.

More businesses across the South are taking up e-learning for their staff, and HSLH recently reached its target of enrolling 10,000 employees of Hampshire and Isle of Wight SMEs onto learndirect programmes.

A wide range of support is available to firms who want to improve their employeesí skill levels. HSLH alone has two Premier Business Centres in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, and a total of 24 additional Business Focused Centres across Hampshire and Berkshire - all of which offer expert advice to businesses, enabling them to access appropriate online courses for their staff.

ìThe benefits of e-learning for companies are enormous,î concluded Denise. ìNot only does it enable them to maintain their competitive edge by ensuring staff are kept abreast of changing technology, but it also has a positive impact on staff retention and productivity.

ìIT skills are increasingly the lifeblood of business, and are absolutely essential if we are to successfully meet the challenges of the 21st century. They are certainly not something which can be ignored ñ and companies which do so will surely end up paying the price.î

Businesses interested in online training can contact HSLH on 0845 6019 627.