School ICT review will address skills shortage, says MYOB

MYOB are welcoming the Government’s initiative to encourage more students into careers within the technology sector.

Reviewing the role of Digital Technologies within the New Zealand school curriculum in secondary schools will start to address the ICT skills shortage that currently exists, says MYOB, New Zealand’s leading accounting software provider.

“Everything that takes place in business now, and in the future, relies on digital technologies, so it’s important that students get exposure to ICT as early as possible,” Trevor Leybourne, NZ Director and Product Development Manager for MYOB.

“Gaining meaningful ICT skills at secondary school will provide more opportunities for young people entering the workforce. In the New Zealand ICT industry there is a wide variety of roles to choose from, such as software developers, software testers, designers, business analysts and network administrators.”

MYOB’s response follows the launch this week of Curious Minds: He Whenua Hirihi I te Maharaby Steven Joyce, Economic Development and Small Business Minister, and Hekia Parata, Education Minister.

The strategy outlines the aims to review the digital technology curriculum in schools, in addition to encouraging more girls to take a career path that involves the science and technology sectors.

MYOB have a staff of around 300, and Leybourne says he is constantly seeking skilled IT staff.

“I’m delighted that the government is looking at reforming the ICT curriculum and I’d like to acknowledge those organisations, such as the Institute of IT Professionals, that have worked so hard over the years to get to this point.”