In May this year, e-skills UK, together with the British Computer Society, Intellect and the NCC formed the Professionalism in IT alliance: Prof IT.

The Professionalism in IT initiative is about building an IT profession that is valued and respected by all.

As part of this initiative we are establishing a common language for skills that will support ongoing professional development and make it easier for companies to recognise what people can do.

In the first phase of this work we have been talking to a wide range of employers about the skills and knowledge they would like to see in their IT professionals.

Why is it so important to get the skill set right?

Globalisation has resulted in the emergence of global markets, global competition and – for many developed countries, including the UK – the offshoring of many traditional, entry-level IT roles. These roles have generally provided new entrants to the IT profession with the technical and business experience they need to progress to higher levels.

To help address the challenge of this disappearing skills ladder, we are looking to establish a fast-track ‘critical skills’ programme for new recruits into the sector - to accelerate development in the period between entry and 10 years into the profession.

This is being developed in the context of an overall skills model for IT professionals that will encompass job specific technical skills; core ‘non-technical’ skills (such as problem solving, teamwork and communications skills); and strategic skills such as business change management and leadership.

From this skills base we will develop skills profiles for specific roles – such as project manager, for example – that include not just relevant professional qualifications (PMI certification in the case of a project manager), but also the communication, financial, facilitation skills etc. a project manager requires to perform effectively.

We welcome comments and contributions from employers: what are the key skills for IT professionals, particularly with regards to non-technical skills?  What kind of challenges, if any, do you face when it comes to recruiting or developing these skills in your staff? Get in touch and let us know!