Balls backs IT diploma

The new IT diploma is set to become "jewel of the education system", according to the minister for the Department of Children, Schools and Families.

One of five new diplomas for 14-19 year old students set to launch next year, it is hoped the IT qualification will help fill skills gaps in the sector and keep the UK competitive in the knowledge economy. Earlier this year, statistics showed that uptake of IT-related degrees has halved over the past five years.

"We need the business and academic worlds to continue to back these qualifications and help make them a success, and I'm delighted to see so many organisations working together to make the diploma a reality in this area," minister Ed Balls said. "With this support, I believe that diplomas could emerge as the jewel of our education system."

On a tour of Tower Hamlets College, a London school set to offer the qualification next year, Balls and representatives from potential IT employers sat in on a pilot lesson to see what the classes might offer. The session included a logic exercise, a discussion of how technology has changed in the past three decades, and lecture on business concepts.

Andy Hill, Vodafone's head of executive resourcing, was one of the attendees. He said: "Employers of IT professionals want talented individuals with the blend of business and technology skills that enable them to work effectively at the heart of the organisation. This requires a fundamental shift in the way technology is taught to young people."

Balls said the qualification could help students get a head start in their IT careers. "They have a unique opportunity to get a real head start in IT - whether they then want to do further study or join the workplace," he said.

Balls stressed that the IT diploma in particular is key to keeping the UK competitive. "Information technology is one of our economy's key growth areas and it's vital that our education system gives young people the right skills for UK companies to compete globally," he said. "The top employers here today show the business support for this qualification and I'm pleased that so many leading institutions are backing it. They're sending a clear message to young people - that if they want to get into IT, they should certainly consider taking the IT diploma next September."

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