Local students should consider taking computer science degrees according to Channel Islands business solutions provider C5 Alliance.
The local information technology industry is growing and has the potential to be a major draw to the island; with the new superfast broadband currently being installed, it looks set to increase opportunities in this area.
However, students from Jersey are choosing courses in other areas leaving human resources for local software and technology companies severely depleted.
At present almost 1339 Jersey students are at university in the UK but just 42 are on computer related courses, around three per cent.
C5 Alliance Managing Director, Mark Loane, thinks that this should be an area which more students consider.
“Jersey needs to encourage students to focus on these relevant and useful degree options and make them aware that if they take them, there is a viable, innovative local technology industry for them to return to work in,” he said.
“Availability of people to carry out work of this nature is going to be a barrier for Jersey based companies who could make quantum leaps with the bespoke solutions that we can provide.
“C5 Alliance offers a bursary for students embarking on computer science related degrees because they will be the future of the island’s technology industry and we feel that that is a worthwhile investment.”
The Jersey branch of the Chartered Institute for IT works together with Jersey’s Highlands College to support their IT curriculum.
Chairman, Tim Bullock, explained that the support for Highlands started with the launching of the IT Foundation Degree course and continues by involving the students in events, helping them get a placement in the workplace and preparing them to find employment or further education after the course.
“A career in information technology isn’t necessarily technical, as there are many facets to the IT industry. Jersey’s Highlands College is a great learning facility, run by a team who are passionate about ensuring their students get the most from their time there. We need to encourage more local students to consider a career in information technology,” he said.
The local technology industry is not the only sector which would benefit from students equipped with high level IT skills; it will also open doors for islanders to pursue an IT career in alternative sectors such as professional services, government, medicine and retail.