National IT academy launches

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A new academy for IT has launched today, looking to shrink the skills gap facing the industry.

The National Skills Academy for IT will offer training programmes to employers, as well as accreditation for IT pros and those teaching them, with the hope of getting more new recruits ready to work in the sector.

The academy has been put together by the government, alongside industry players and IT body e-skills UK, which claimed that some 141,000 new recruits are needed to join the IT industry each year.

Karen Price, chief executive of e-skills UK, said the academy will help the UK become a world leader in IT. “It offers a unique opportunity for employers to take collective responsibility for the skills and accreditation of the IT workforce, with innovative development programmes and qualifications that are valued by the sector."

The IT academy is one of four being announced today; the government is hoping to have one for every major business sector. Skills Secretary John Denham said: “Now, more than ever, we need to develop innovative training that inspires and empowers a new generation to realise their ambitions.”

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