IT training 'top priority'

IT training 'top priority'

IT training "top priority"

Keywords: Electrical engineering, Information technology, Training, Young people

A lack of electrical engineers and computer specialists is restricting the growth of information technologies in Europe, says the Federation of Europe's National Electrical Engineering Associations (Eurel).

Delegates identified improving training programmes as a top priority, at the federation general assembly in Bologna, Italy.

Karsten Larsen, president, said too few young people are choosing careers in information technology. A large number of untapped opportunities exist in the private and commercial use of the Internet and electronic commerce, with Europe lagging behind the USA.

The IT industry is Europe's fastest growing. It employs more than four million people and created more than 300,000 new jobs between 1995 and 1997. But around 500,000 IT jobs remain unfilled because of a lack of qualified staff. The European Commission has predicted that this will reach 1.6 million by 2002.