Skip the NI Direct Bar

More computer science graduates needed to grow economy here

14 December 2009

A new report today reemphasises the importance of high level Information and Communications Technology (ICT) skills to the economy here.

Commissioned by the Department for Employment and Learning on behalf of the ICT Future Skills Action Group, the study is part of a broader programme of activity to increase the pool of skilled and talented people available to this critical sector. The study of high level skills needs of the Northern Ireland ICT sector has shown that an increasing number of computer science graduates are needed over the next ten years to boost economic productivity.

The Minister for Employment and Learning Sir Reg Empey said: “This report highlights the continuing need for more people to choose a career in computing. The message is quite simple – a critical mass of people with high level skills in this area can attract high value jobs to Northern Ireland. We saw this recently with the announcement by the New York Stock Exchange of its decision to create up to 400 jobs here for that very reason.

“As the report states, while the industry here is not yet as major an employer as some, ICT ‘punches above its weight’ when it comes to its contribution to service sector exports and investment.

“The findings contain challenges for us all but the biggest one which we can all face together is one of perception – we must continue to tackle the myth that this is an industry for people who like working in cubicles all on their own.  The reality is a profession which requires innovative, skilled people able to work in teams and which, despite the down turn, continues to offer a great variety of career opportunities with great rewards – the report showed that typical earnings for a computing professional are one third above the private sector average.

“This comprehensive study will greatly inform our work with the ICT sector moving forward.”

The research bases its findings on a number of potential scenarios – from baseline outlook to aspirational models. The study found that if Northern Ireland is to achieve the type of knowledge economy originally envisaged in the Matrix report, then an increase in the quantity and quality of those with high level ICT skills would be essential.

Notes to editors:

  1. The review was completed by Oxford Economics in association with FGS McClure Watters.
  2. The research included a review of existing NI, UK and ROI ICT skills literature and other international literature, an overview of existing infrastructural frameworks, direct consultation with major ICT companies and a comprehensive data collection and analysis exercise covering various aspects of skills demand and supply in the sector.
  3. The report can be accessed at http://www.delni.gov.uk/skillneedsniictsector. external link
  4. Enquiries to the Employment and Learning Communications Branch on 028 9025 7872. Out of office hours contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715440 and your call will be returned.