Interfaces

By 1970 the estimated number of computer installations in the country will be 3000, twice the present figure, with another 1000 in the planning stage. Crudely this translates into a projected need for 46 000 additional computer personnel — ranging across the board from operators to senior programmers. Originating from a Ministry of Labour manpower survey in 1967, this forecast has been hotly disputed for accuracy. Usefully, however, it has brought the whole question of computer training and education under observation. Interpreted as a shortage by the panic‐mongers and used as an enticement statistic by every career pamphleteer in the business, the gallant 46 000 are only the highlight of the issue. At root the education need is much wider, encompassing the computer‐ignorance of the general public on the one hand, and the necessity of more intensive understanding on the part of managers/ administrators on the other. With this area of attack the desirability of co‐operative effort on the part of the training bodies becomes a necessity.