Survey cites IT training as problem area

Recruitment company Dpconnect has claimed the shortage of training in IT is a much bigger long-term issue for users than the year 2000 problem.

According to a survey released last week, most of the permanent and contract IT professionals polled by the Kent-based jobs consultancy believed the lack of training and the skills shortage would remain a problem long after the millennium bug is cleared.

Three quarters said they were not having trouble getting enough people to work on year 2000 projects, filling gaps with contractors. However, about the same proportion thought the lack of training in the industry meant shortages in permanent positions would remain for the foreseeable future.

'Many organisations see training as a luxury, particularly when they are short of budget,' said Jan Stevens, research manager at Dpconnect.

'IT training in particular is seen as high cost, but what they forget is that training and career development are seen as positive attractions in a job.'

Nearly 80 per cent of those questioned believed there was another worrying trend that could damage the industry - Microsoft's influence on the IT profession.