The introduction of a new computer course to 12 colleges around the UK will help to tackle the country's current shortage of IT professionals, it has been claimed.
Jointly established by computer manufacturers Hewlett Packard and Thames Valley university, the qualification has been tested in the institution since 2006.
This autumn will see the course introduced to colleges giving the chance for part-time students to complete it around other commitments.
Head of TVU's School of Computing Professor Andy Smith pointed out that according to research, the IT sector will need 163,000 new recruits by 2016.
He said: "Without significant action, either more jobs will be lost through outsourcing abroad or the nation's business as a whole will suffer major problems relying on IT infrastructures."
A recent report from the Council of Professors and Heads of Computing revealed that the amount of students opting for IT at A-level has dropped by 46.3 per cent over the last four years.
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