Pearson in Practice new IT programme tackles skill shortage

IT Diploma offers a unique route to developing practical skills for employment or progression to university

Dubai, UAE, 10^th November 2011: Pearson in Practice's new IT training programme, which offers young people a unique and powerful opportunity to gain IT skills, certification and real on-the-job training, is generating an overwhelming response in the UAE from entry-level executives and employers alike.

Richard Firth, Regional Director, Pearson in Practice, said: "We're aiming to help more young local people enter IT and help businesses to tackle their IT talent problem. On the back of GITEX 2011, it is evident that the success of the UAE relies heavily on the strength of its IT workforce. Yet there is now a growing shortage of young, entry-level IT professionals who can support the UAE IT infrastructure.

"Like so many other regions, the UAE is increasingly relying on importing its IT professionals. This is not only costly, but as competition grows with the complexity of  IT, more entry-level talent will be required to back-fill and enable other IT professionals to also move up - but you need a fresh wave of young, qualified and work-ready talent to do so."

Anmol Bassi, the first student to enrol in the IT Diploma Programme from Pearson in Practice, said: "I'm pleased to be part of this world-class programme that will empower me to fulfil my vision. I believe the IT Diploma Programme will open new doors as it is tailored to entry level candidates who want to efficiently integrate in the workplace."

He added: "By completing this programme I can also pursue my further education by joining any university in the world preferably any British university in U.K or UAE as the programme has equivalent qualifications."

Pearson in Practice's employment-focused IT training programmes are based on a highly successful model which helps thousands of young people gain jobs every year in the UK's IT sector. This is the first Pearson in Practice IT programme offered outside the UK. It runs over 16 weeks with an optional 16-week Internship with an employer.

Richard added: "This is a real opportunity for parents to set their children up for not only entry into IT but also fast-track progression. In the UK, our students are far more likely to get promotion within two years of completing our programme."

According to Pearson in Practice, the common issue between the UAE and the UK is that while unemployment levels are relatively high, skills shortages are a growing problem. Indeed, in the UK a recent report highlighted the need for an extra 110,000 IT professionals entering IT each year for the next five years. The UAE is now facing a similar problem.

The IT training programmes come at a time the UAE IT sector is growing rapidly and requires employees who are multi-skilled across a variety of digital platforms, including setting up new systems or developing software or websites or training people to use IT facilities. These programmes provide a mix of skills development and workplace experience. The diploma covers areas such as networking security, website production, database design and generic hands on experience in working in IT industry, as well as a range of important soft skills which will be required by anyone working in business to be effective.

The intensive IT programme saves time and cost for both the learner and the employer. Pearson in Practice takes a different approach to training. Not only can learners gain valuable work-focused skills, but for the IT Diploma Programme, there is an added benefit of a fast track to university entrance, where successful students can gain the grades to count as the entry requirement for degree courses at international universities, both in the UAE and overseas.

The first IT class will start on Sunday, 20^th November, 2011 at the Pearson in Practice Training Academy in Knowledge Village, Dubai. Limited places are still available. To apply call 044535370 or visit www.pearsoninpractice.com/uae

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Pearson in Practice is one of the UK's largest providers of vocational and professional training and is part of Pearson, the world's leading education company. From pre-school to high school, early learning to professional certification, Pearson's curriculum materials, multimedia learning tools and training programmes help to educate more than a hundred million people globally - more than any other private enterprise. We are internationally recognised as a leader of vocational qualifications, and we leverage the expertise of the wider Pearson Company.

The Business Administration and Customer Service Certificates will be offered at intermediate and advanced levels aimed at employed or unemployed professionals who want to up their skills in these fields. Each level will be offered as a 20 day programme - one day per week for 20 weeks. The Diploma in IT includes a programme model for 16 weeks of training followed by an extended diploma as 16 weeks of job placement paid fully by the learner.

© Press Release 2011