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A new report commissioned by Microsoft claims that The UK IT industry is facing a potential skills shortage.
The study, called Developing the Future 2007, asserts that in order to build on the progress made so far, the UK must increase its number of IT graduates, reported Vnunet.
Of all the students graduating with IT related degrees, only 30 per cent went onto related professions in 2005/2006, leading some to predict a deficit.
The report also pointed out that only around 20 per cent of the UK’s IT workforce is female, despite measures designed to boost numbers. The report argues that if the workforce gap is to be filled, more women must be employed as well as men.
"The DtF 2007 report paints a picture for the UK that is exciting and inspiring, but profoundly challenging," said Gordon Frazer, managing director of Microsoft UK. "In our very near future, the shape of the economy and society will have changed dramatically and I believe the UK has the potential to adapt to take advantage of these changes. We have an opportunity to harness the innovation, talent and entrepreneurship that exists, but we need to face up to some serious challenges. Chief among these is filling the growing skills gap in the technology sector before it becomes chronic."