IT & Technology Industry
The IT and technology industry provides the engine for productivity and future growth across the whole of the UK economy.
Careers in IT don’t just mean fixing computers anymore; technology builds the foundations for careers in customer service, web design, web development, marketing and communications.
Because of the technological nature of life in today’s armed forces most service personnel are computer literate and have the ability to learn quickly and impart the newly gained knowledge to others. The world of Information technology is a path worthy of consideration and it is already proving a popular choice among veterans, and not just those with IT and communications specialist skills.
Most colleges provide courses in a wide range of IT skills and the first port of call should be the higher educational establishments your locality if you need further qualifications.
For those who have the required IT skills, gained in the services there are many opportunities with most telecoms companies such as BT, Sky and Virgin as well as many manufacturing and technology servicing companies.
There is growing demand for staff to fill IT jobs according to a new report by the Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC) and KPMG. Along with engineering and construction, IT and computing showed the most demand for new workers in January 2013.
Kevin Green, chief executive of the REC, said: “It is particularly encouraging that six out of eight sectors surveyed show growth in demand, including engineering, IT and office professionals.” Bernard Brown, partner and head of business services at KPMG, claimed IT is one of the industries where “things are looking up” as the number of jobs available has increased in the new year.
The report found the total number of permanent jobs available in the UK has grown for the first time in four months. The average salary for permanent workers and rate of pay for temporary staff has also risen modestly. Mr Green said this is the first sign that employers are looking to recruit more people despite the weakness of the economy.
Computeach provides a service that not only offers courses and qualifications but career advice and guidance too.
The company understands that for a lot of students, the training is really a means to an end and the focus is on changing or developing their IT career.
With that in mind, Computeach supports students throughout their training journey with Computeach and beyond.
From the initial research and planning stage right through to preparation for the start of a new and improved career, Computeach works closely with the student giving them opportunity to really understand the individual’s unique skillset, personality and how best to position them with employers.
Computeach offers a range of practical services across different stages of the process including:
• Development of your CV
• Covering letter support
• Interview preparation
• Practice interview questioning with the interview simulator
• Psychometric and aptitude testing samples
• A comprehensive job search facility
• Professional research facilities
• Up to date salary information
• News and industry advice
Students have 24 hour access to a Careers Dashboard enabling them to take advantage of over 1,000 employer training videos, 100s of written tutorials, employer audio podcasts and many other interactive career resources to suit.
All of the advice and guidance in our Careers Dashboard has been provided by employers. The content regularly expands and is frequently updated to ensure first hand knowledge to support each individual job search.
This blended approach to training courses is designed to get students up and running in the quickest possible time. Individuals can start with the basic principles and foundation skills required, quickly gaining valuable industry recognised certifications while developing their own portfolio of work to demonstrate ability and progress to potential employers.
Computeach offers a seven day free trial. For further details of the trail and the range of courses available contact the customer service team on 0800 083 0261 or visit website www.computeach.co.uk.
The Chartered Institute for IT champions the global IT profession and the interests of individuals engaged in that profession for the benefit of all. It seeks to provide professional advice, training and recognised qualifications for the entrant to the highest levels of the industry.
Entry points
Computing is found throughout all areas of modern society. This is therefore a career which will survive well into the future. It is logical to assume that since computers are built from circuit boards and are extremely fast in performing mathematical calculations that you must have a maths or science background.
The Chartered Institute of IT claims that this is not true. Because computers now exist in every area of life people with a wide array of skills are needed to work in the industry.
• People skills are needed to communicate effectively with customers and colleagues
• Strengths in art and design are needed for web design and general layout work
• Logical thinking is essential for programmers and system design – computers rely on logic to solve the problems they are given
• Network design and maintenance relies on people with maths and physics skills
The institute believes that it doesn’t matter what skill you have – there’s a position in the computing industry made for everyone!
The Institute fosters links between experts from the industry and academia to promote new thinking, education and knowledge sharing.
Through continuing professional development and a series of respected IT qualifications, the Institute seeks to promote professional practice tuned to the demands of business. It provides practical support and information services to its members and volunteer communities around the world.
The Institute collaborates with government, industry and relevant bodies to establish good working practices, codes of conduct, skills frameworks and common standards. It also offers a range of consultancy services to employers to help them adopt best practice.
For further information about membership of the Institute and the courses, qualifications and resources available visit website www.bcs.org or phone 01793 417424 or 0845 300 4417.
Importantly read the computer trade press and visit websites such as www.computerweekly.com
for a regular updated flow of information and current job opportunities.
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