Computer and Microelectronics Staff (Training) (Hansard, 16 March 1979)

§ Mr. Golding

I am informed by the Manpower Services Commission that the details will be announced shortly of the new training arrangements to which I referred in my reply to my hon. Friend's question on 13 February 1979 [Official Report; Vol. 962, c. 473.] It is intended that these new arrangements will provide for the training of an extra 2,500–3,000 programmers, real time programmers and systems analysts in each of the next three years, commencing in September 1979. MSC grant support for these programmes, will be available through industry training boards and other similar bodies.

The purpose of the proposals is to provide a short-term stimulus to encourage industry to meet its training needs in this important occupation, and for this reason the duration of MSC support will be limited. In addition, through its training opportunities scheme, the MSC is increasing its output of trained programmers, systems analysts and computer maintenance engineers from 1,080 in 1977 to 2,282 in 1979.

For successful candidates on first level programming courses, the national certificate awarded by BEC/TEC will be available. This will ensure common standards within a unified training scheme, and is intended as a positive response to the apprenticship scheme suggested in the first interim report of the electronic computer sector working party.

The Commission will shortly announce arrangements to step up training of computer programmers and systems analysts. Skill centre courses with an electronic content provided under the training opportunities scheme are being revised to cover microelectronics, and additional courses are being started. Industry training boards are analysing training needs and helping to spread awareness of the possibilities and challenge of the development of microelectronics. The Commission is working in close partnership with the Department of Industry and the Department of Education and Science.