By Business & Finance A Forfás report carried out as part of the Government’s Action Plan for Jobs, predicts the creation of more than 44,000 ICT jobs between now and 2018 and calls for improvement in the quality and quantity of Ireland’s third level computing and engineering graduates.
With the recommendation of a revamp of educational provision to meet these demands, the Irish Computer Society (ICS) is currently running programmes which address the gaps identified in the report.
ICS CEO Jim Friars said, “The ICS is at the forefront of attempts to increase the number of ICT graduates as well as developing the competencies of current practitioners. Our almost five thousand members understand the importance of professional development.” He continued, “Great leaders attract great jobs. By developing the leadership skills of Irish IT professionals we are creating a catalyst for attracting new projects, new jobs and new employers to Ireland.”
Programmes such as the second level Computing Curriculum, ChooseIT and F1 in Schools are designed to equip students with basic knowledge before entering third level to ensure they are making informed CAO decisions. For current third level students, the Irish Computer Society is continuing to drive IT Professionalism in Ireland with the successful launch of the new ICS Professionalism course for young IT professionals ,which has been adopted by 15 third level colleges in Ireland to date. Other initiatives that are being rolled out include, CPD for young graduates, senior leadership development and high level programmes like IASA, IT Architects and Chartered IT Professional status.
