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A placement year while at university better prepares IT graduates for the world of work, says Tomorrow’s Talent survey 01/02/2013

Conducted by the professional resourcing company Experis, in partnership with CWJobs, the survey of 319 IT professionals looked into the challenges facing graduates in finding employment in the sector.

It asked respondents about their degrees, skills and professions so as to identify and tackle the issues facing the IT sector in securing talented workers.

The research revealed that of those who did a placement year (22% of total respondents), 81% felt it had prepared them for their IT career.

This compares to only 41% of graduates, who had not taken a placement year, either somewhat or strongly agreeing that their degree prepared them for their IT roles.

Commenting on the findings of Tomorrow’s Talent, Experis managing director in the UK and Ireland, Geoff Smith, said,

'A sandwich course equips students with the skills and experience needed for the world of work and employers are reassured that candidates can make the transition from university to working life.'

The survey shows that a placement year improved the prospects of securing a job. 91% of those graduates that completed a placement year were employed at the time of survey.

The survey further explored this relationship between skills, university education and the workplace. With so many IT professionals feeling unprepared for working life, they are taking it upon themselves to learn new skills.

Of those questioned, 77% had to supplement their skills beyond university or employer training with independent learning. Of these, two thirds paid for extra learning with their own money.

'Self-teaching and enrolling for extra courses is growing, in fact it is almost necessary for this sector. In an increasingly interconnected and competitive world, IT professionals must accept responsibility for keeping their skills up-to-date,' Smith added.

For the full report, go to, Experis – Tomorrows Talent.