Investment in technical training welcomed
In the technology industry, we seem to be constantly plugging gaps. Whether it be developing a new piece of software to make our EPOS solutions platform more adaptable for our clients or even hiring new talent to join our ever-expanding team. We know when a leak starts it not only needs plugging but fixing and maintaining for the long term.
One huge gap that we have seen widen exponentially since the business started 15 years ago is that of skilled and work-ready young people. Particularly with regard to technical qualifications.
So it was refreshing to hear Chancellor Philip Hammond, tell the House of Commons on Wednesday during the Spring Budget 2017: “We will increase by over 50% the number of hours training for 16-19 year old technical students, including a high-quality three month work placement for every students, so when they qualify, they are genuinely “work-ready”.
“Once this programme is fully rolled out, we will be investing an additional £500m a year in our 16-19 year olds.
“And to encourage and support the best of them to go on to advanced technical study, we will offer maintenance loans for those undertaking higher level technical qualifications at the new Institutes of Technology and National Colleges.”
Importance of academic study, real life work skills and technology
t’s claimed to be the biggest shake up in education for those over the age of 16 since the introduction of A-levels and a true shift in mindset; adapting to the evolving digital mindset of eduction and indeed, business. Recent government statistics have shown that small businesses with an online presence present twice as many job opportunities, yield twice as much profit and grow at twice the speed. It’s a trend which we’ve seen emerge first hand but with the growing skills gap, this push forward needs stronger integrated foundations.
It’s a reason I have become a member of the advisory board for the new Christleton International Studio – a hub of business, entrepreneurship and academic study for young people aged 14-19. It is unparalleled in its capacity for innovation, and commitment to global and professional engagement, particularly in the realms of technology. Heavy coursework is replaced by work placements, subjects and elective activities in place of A-levels, lectures are given by industry and students are given the opportunity to travel, build confidence and inherit good work ethics, to make them ‘work ready’ – the key buzz word on every employers lips.
Developing new ways of learning and offering support to the next generation of young people in the tech industry is essential. But at Cybertill we not only focus on hiring skills but competencies. Are the applicants organised? Self-motivated? Punctual? Do they present a strong work ethic? And does traditional education provide all of these factors…we think not.
It’s time for a new approach, a new way of thinking and that’s not just applicable to young people but the wider industry too.
