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Computers and IT... in detail
What does it involve?
A job in the ICT sector means you could work in many different places—schools, offices, hospitals, banks, factories to name but a few. Many jobs involve using a computer these days but specialist ICT jobs involve in-depth knowledge of how computers work and how systems and technology are developing.
Teamwork is important for most ICT jobs, as is having a logical mind and good problem
-solving skills. Some jobs involve working closely with other organisations, such as computer sales where you sell computer systems to companies or user support where you help fix faulty equipment. Other jobs are more creative, such as website or games design.
What's happening in the industry?
Due to technological change and global competition, there will be new skills needed in the ICT industry. Because of this, there are currently skills shortages—it’s predicted that 200,000 skilled people are needed each year. With many new employees lacking experience of working with new technologies, well-qualified people with the right experience are in demand. There are a lot of qualifications to choose from but you may need to think very carefully about which one is best suited to you.
The industry is expected to grow over the next few years and because only one in three ICT professionals are women, many are being encouraged to get a job in IT.
Around 5% of ICT jobs are in customer service, 5% are sales and 10% administration. ICT professionals make up 25% of all jobs and 26% are management positions*.
*Labour Force Survey Autumn 2002
What's happening locally?
How to get into this type of work:
Your Personal Adviser will be able to discuss your options with you.
- School or college - study for GCSEs, a diploma, AS / A levels, NVQs or other vocational qualifications that could lead to a job, an Apprenticeship, further qualifications or even a degree.
- e2e (Entry to Employment) - if you’re not sure if you’re suited to this job you might be able to get some work experience through e2e. It can also give you extra support to gain the right qualifications, get onto a training programme or get a job.
- Apprenticeship - train ‘on-the-job’ with a wage or allowance. For the latest Apprenticeship vacancies in Nottinghamshire click on Vacancies Online.
- Work or work with training
Which skills?
- Communication
- Information and communication technology (ICT)
- Problem solving
- Team work
What else can I do?
- Get some work experience.
- Get some practical experience by tinkering with computers at home.
- Brush up on some of your skills such as ICT or customer care.
- Read the CODES leaflets Getting logged on (D/S), ICT—an introduction to the work and training (D01), Website design and management (D03). You can find these in your school Connexions library or nearest Connexions centre.
- Talk to your Personal Adviser.
