ALMOST a third of IT graduates are dropping out of the sector and failing to convert their qualifications into jobs, it is claimed
A survey commissioned by recruitment company Be-IT examined the trends in the industry’s talent pool over the past five years as well as the experience of employers and considered the challenges facing digital technologies industry in Scotland.
The appraisal of the sector, which employs over 70,000 people, found that 32 per cent of participating graduates were not working in IT or computing.
The main reason given for not using a computing science degree to get into an IT job was that graduates found it too difficult to find a position.
Fewer than half - 43% - of graduates thought their university course was a good preparation for work, 35% said it was neither good or bad, and 23% had negative feelings about their course or university.
It was found that 88% of employers surveyed hire graduates, but only 40% had a formal graduate entry scheme.
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Internships were regarded as very valuable, while it was recognised increasing digitalisation in business and public services, cyber protection, robotics and big data are currently having a significant presence on the Scottish and UK employment market place.
Gareth Biggerstaff, Be-IT chief executive, said that while many universities and firms do offer internship programmes, there should be a broader approach.
He said: “From the work that we’ve done and the information that we’ve gained from both employers and from the graduates, the most successful route to getting the numbers up is internships at university and ultimately trying to give the students some kind of commercial knowledge prior to them graduating.
“It gets them fit for work.
“What you’ve got is commercially aware individuals."
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He added: “If you do hire an intern that you have had with you either for a summer or a year you are getting someone who is ultimately half accustomed to your working environment already.”
He added: “Digital technologies are at the heart of business in Scotland, and it is vital that we monitor trends and consider the best way to address issues that emerge.
“Our survey is part of that process.
“There are many aspects of the sector that are performing well, but we must be prepared to adapt and learn. People are the lifeblood of any industry and we have to make sure everything is done to allow the talent to develop. We can’t afford to let skills go to waste.
“In terms of the third of graduates not securing job in IT, universities need to continually look at the suitability of the degree course and ensure there are embedded employer readiness skills within them. Internships likewise for all IT students would enhance uptake into the sector after graduation.”
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Graduates were surveyed over the last five years, in order to cover both recent graduates and those who have begun to establish their careers in IT. Respondents studied at a broad range of universities across the UK.
More than a third - 37% - had graduated in 2018, with 7% having graduated in both recent graduates and those who have begun to establish their careers in IT. Respondents studied at a broad range of universities across the UK.
More than a third – 37% – had graduated in 2018, with 7% having graduated in 2013.
Graduates who finished in 53 different subjects spread across 70 courses had been studied by respondents.
One-fifth of respondents disagreed their work reflected their
abilities and qualifications, the survey found.
The firm said rapid business digital transformation and a restricted talent pool are already having a turbulent effect on the Scottish IT jobs sector, forcing employers to re-think both recruitment and retention of staff.
Nikola Kelly, Be-IT managing director, said: “This survey shows we cannot be complacent and highlights there continue to be challenges for our industry to overcome to meet the skills needs of the sector. The technology sector is continually expanding and is a major growth opportunity for the Scottish economy, so we have to get this right.”
The firm said digitalisation in business and public services, cyber protection and artificial are also key IT employment areas.
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