Could the Recession Be the Answer to Wales' IT Skills Gap?

With hundreds of people being made redundant eachCox, Ecom Learning Solution's E-Learning Coordinator,
week and 80% of jobs now advertised online theresaid "We have seen a drastic increase in the number
has been a huge surge in the number of peopleof people using their ReAct money to secure places
accessing the Welsh Assembly's ReAct fund toon our IT courses and the ECDL Qualification in
improve their poor IT Skills.particular. We discuss every learner's needs in detail
The ReAct fund provides those who have beenbefore deciding on the courses they should attend. As
made redundant within the last 6 months, or who area recognised ECDL and ECDL Advanced testing
under a notice of redundancy, with up to £2500centre, Ecom can provide them access to this
worth of training. With time to reflect on their careersversatile qualification which employers love to see on a
and this funding availableto them, people in Wales areCV."
addressing their poor IT Skills. There has been anIn some areas, job seekers now outnumber vacancies
increase in the number of people signing up for the20:1 so strong IT Skills are essential in order to remain
ECDL (European Computer Driver License)competitive. If the current trend continues, when we
qualification which is recognised by employers acrossexit this recession, Wales's IT skills Gap will have
Europe as the must have IT user qualification.shrunk significantly and our workforce will be stronger
At one of Cardiff's premier training providers, Donnathan ever.