Degrees alone are not enough to help jobseekers break into the IT industry, according to 60 percent of technology professionals.

New research from specialist IT recruitment site CWJobs.co.uk has revealed the concerns of professionals for the next generation of technology talent. With nearly one in ten graduates unemployed IT professionals are recommending vocational training courses as a worthy alternative to a degree (76 percent) and a better route into employment. In addition to on-the-job training, professionals also believe early education could give a solid foundation for a career in IT. In line with recent department of education plans, 56 percent of professionals believe programming should be integrated into the curriculum for secondary education from 2015 onwards.

In addition, 86 percent think primary school age is an appropriate time to introduce children to computing in general. Richard Nott, Website Director, CWJobs.co.uk stated: “A shortfall in skilled professionals could have a big impact on Britain’s future as a key power within the technology sector. Whilst degrees undoubtedly form a solid theoretical foundation for professionals, 64 percent of professionals working in the technology industry do not hold a degree themselves. It’s therefore important that alternate routes into the industry are encouraged, and importance of degrees relaxed, in order to provide new channels to industry for budding IT professionals.”