Training Synergy Speaks at Westminster eForum
What can businesses do to close the IT skills gap? This was the question the prestigious panel were asked to discuss at the Westminster eForum Keynote Seminar on October 25th.
David Field of Training Synergy was joined on the panel by Stephen Uden, Microsoft’s Head of Skills and Economic Affairs, Gillian Arnold of IBM and the British Computer Society’s Women’s Forum and Leslie Manasseh, Deputy general Secretary of Connect.
The audience was made up of leading figures in the IT industry and the great and good of both Houses of Parliament. David chose to focus on the IT skills gap that exists for end users and the need to release IT from its “technical ghetto”. With over 10 years experience of working with providers and delivering some of the biggest IT training projects in the UK, he challenged us to consider investing in a “legacy of skills”.
Nor was he afraid to throw down the gauntlet for government: “ As one of the largest purchasers of IT, I think they have a duty to ensure that when they are selecting bidders…they ensure that there is a strategy for training and development…[and] a legacy is left behind which can then filter down through the rest of the economy”. For Phil Willis MP, much to the amusement of both panel and audience, this was deemed a “bit of a rich suggestion”.
David outlined Training Synergy’s strategy of investing in people who have business and professional skills and giving them the right technical skills. Recognising that during technology upgrades organisations often require support around change enablement, he pointed out that the strength of a Synergy trainer was as much to do with their “management, communication, leadership and life skills” as their technical know how.
Microsoft’s Stephen Uden echoed the call for legacy investment saying “The challenge in today’s system is actually for employers to be part of the education system, working alongside the training providers and to roll up their sleeves and get engaged and make that happen.”
The panel also discussed the challenge of broadening the appeal of careers in IT, a famously male dominated industry and, as Mr Uden apologised for his chairman, the need to move away from the image of the geek. David told the panel about his experience of using flexible employment models that both meet customer requirements, reduce fixed costs and attract a broader range of candidates. According to Gillian Arnold only 16% of IT workers are women. However, David proudly stated that Training Synergy bucks the trend, as 60% of their IT trainers are women.
Lord Triesman concluded the day by stating the government’s commitment to technical skills training, their record of investment so far and plans to engage further with business to meet the challenges of the future. All in all an interesting and thought provoking event that will hopefully be the start of meaningful dialogue among all concerned.
Story Date
16 November 2007
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