More firms concerned over ICT skills shortage

Government agency, e-Skills, has reported a further increase in the number of firms concerned over ICT skills shortages.

Government agency, e-Skills, has reported a further increase in the number of firms concerned over ICT skills shortages.

To help boost the numbers of Midlanders with high ICT- competence levels, UCE Birmingham's Technology Innovation Centre (TIC) has been awarded membership of Microsoft's Developer Network Academic Alliance (MSDNAA).

As one of Microsoft's top UK, university-based academies, TIC's enhanced status gives all those studying Microsoft-based modules, free access to hundreds of pounds-worth of software.

A key added advantage is the access students have to the software on their home computers.

This particularly helps those in business seeking to advance their careers through part-time study.

TIC's Microsoft co-ordinator Rehan Bhana says: "There is an immediate benefit to anyone studying Microsoft modules on information and communication technology courses, software design and computer networks.

However, any TIC students with Microsoft-based modules in their courses can have access to the software." The range of programmes is made available through the e-Academy, established in partnership with Microsoft itself.

A student's e-Academy access terminates on completion of the TIC course.

Originally developed for commercial programmers, Microsoft's Developer Network comprises a virtual library of software.

Now an alliance of relevant academic institutions such as TIC has been given access to the network.

This helps staff and students on Microsoft training courses develop their expertise and knowledge more thoroughly.

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