Microsoft’s bid to address IT skills shortage

Australian University students will be given free access to a range of developer and designer software including Expression Products, Visual Studio, XNA Creators Club 2.0, SQL Server 2005 Developer Edition and Windows Standard Server.

According to Norbert Haehnel, director DPE Group, Microsoft Australia, the IT skills shortage is a growing international concern and vendors need to be proactive in addressing the problem.

“IT skills are in demand worldwide and the skills shortage of IT professionals is not just an Australian issue anymore,” said Haehnel. “Microsoft works with educators, institutions and the academic community to expand opportunities for students and to encourage the development of a skilled workforce.”

Haehnel claimed Microsoft’s objective is to provide students with the opportunity to sample various applications, which could potentially entice them to pursue a career in IT.

“Educating students on the latest innovations and trends in technology, and providing them access to software that fosters their skills can broaden their perspective on the opportunities in this sector,” he said. “The added benefit to industry is that we’re addressing one of the toughest challenges confronting employers today, attracting and developing qualified IT professionals.”

He commented that the ICT skills shortage is affecting the greater economic climate and any progress in this arena would not only benefit the IT industry but also other facets of the Australian economy.

“Making sure there is a strong pipeline of technically skilled students is key to the future of our economy. Technology is one of the chief drivers pushing economic development and job creation,” said Haehnel.

Perhaps the IT sector has yet to shed its ‘geek status’, speculated Haehnel, adding that this perception may be contributing to the lack of enthusiasm for careers in IT.

“The challenge is to show students how their passion for technology can be translated into some of the coolest jobs out there. Joining the IT sector no longer means just programming computer languages and tinkering with servers,” he explained ...The DreamSpark initiative has been well received by Australian universities. The software is viewed as a practical resource that may enhance a student’s tertiary education.

James Dalziel, spokesperson, Macquarie University said: “The Australian Access Federation for Higher Education and Research welcomes Microsoft's DreamSpark initiative as one of the potential services starting in 2008 which would utilise the capability of the Federation to provide better access to software for Australian students and researchers.”

DreamSpark will begin appearing in Australian universities in the first half of 2008. Students will be required to log onto a website, select the software they want and verify their student status in order to download the desired application.

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