Skills body wants to hear the thoughts of IT managers

UK IT managers are being asked for their views on IT education for 14 to 19-year olds.

IT sector skills council e-Skills UK is looking for input to the development of the Diploma in IT, one of 14 specialised diplomas being introduced to help pupils prepare for higher education and employment.

The plans are part of the government’s overhaul of secondary schools, and e-Skills UK wants to ensure that the opinions of employers are taken into consideration.

‘The content of the Diploma in the IT line of learning will focus on highly relevant, business-oriented learning that prepares young people for the future career of their choice,’ says a spokeswoman for e-Skills UK.

‘It will be designed to stretch and engage a wide spectrum of students, including the most able, and will be particularly relevant to those considering IT professional or business-oriented careers. Young people will be able to choose a programme of learning appropriate to their aspirations – whether that is to progress to a top university or to enter the workforce directly at 18.’

e-Skills UK wants to hear IT experts’ views on:

• The key skills improvement they would like to see in young people leaving school
• How work experience within the Diploma can be made relevant to the student and possible for employers to deliver
• Whether candidates should have to achieve a minimum standard in all areas of study.

The full questionnaire is available at www.e-skills.com/diploma.