IT diploma "jewel of education system"

 

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By Nicole Kobie

Posted on 30 Oct 2007 at 15:59

The UK's new IT diploma could become the "jewel of the education system", according to Ed Balls, the minister for the Department of Children, Schools and Families.

On a tour of Tower Hamlets College, a London school set to offer the qualification next year, Balls and representatives from potential IT employers sat in on a pilot lesson to see what the classes might offer. The session included a logic exercise, a discussion of how technology has changed in the past three decades, and lecture on business concepts.

"[Students] have a unique opportunity to get a real head start in IT - whether they then want to do further study or join the workplace," Balls said, after the event.

"Information technology is one of our economy's key growth areas and it's vital that our education system gives young people the right skills for UK companies to compete globally."

"We need the business and academic worlds to continue to back these qualifications and help make them a success, and I'm delighted to see so many organisations working together to make the diploma a reality in this area."

"With this support, I believe that diplomas could emerge as the jewel of our education system."

"Employers of IT professionals want talented individuals with the blend of business and technology skills that enable them to work effectively at the heart of the organisation," said Andy Hill, Vodafone's head of executive resourcing, another attendee.

"This requires a fundamental shift in the way technology is taught to young people."