Course helps Computeraid to stem defection of experienced technical staff
Course helps Computeraid to stem defection of experienced technical staff
An information-technology company is providing a development programme for its junior and middle managers which is helping to stem the defection of experienced technical staff in a business where skill shortages are rife.
Computeraid, which employs more than 1,000 staff, most of whom are IT specialists, found the solution in the Open University Business School (OUBS)professional certificate in management.
The increasing importance of IT has created strong demand for well-trained and experienced employees. A shortage of competent IT staff, and the fact that many are young and looking to gain experience quickly, means that annual turnover of employees within the industry is running at 22 per cent.
The IT industry is also changing rapidly. Several years ago, Computeraid's business was centred on maintenance and product supply. As technology developed,what was once regarded as expert help became considered a commodity. The company had to adapt to reflect the new trading environment and this resulted in a complete change of business model and the development of a wide range of new services. This degree of change required the company to have effective managers as well as technical experts.
Apart from the ongoing turmoil within the IT industry, there was also a personal dimension. Many experienced staff reach a point when their career is at a crossroads. They feel they have to decide whether to stay in a technical role or move into management. Computeraid recognized this potential problem and had,for many years, a policy of promoting managers from within. This offered valuable technical staff, who might be considering a change of job, an attractive alternative within the company. The challenge then became how to equip, rapidly and cost effectively, these technologists with the skills to become effective managers.
Andy Cameron, head of marketing, training and quality, commented: "When I joined Computeraid, there was a requirement for an effective management-training scheme. It needed to be high quality and applicable to the role of each manager. To gain senior-management approval, it also needed to be cost effective and not take people away from their daily work. One manager approached me and recommended the OUBS. I decided to undertake the course and learn first hand how good it is."
Andy Cameron shared his personal experience with other Computeraid managers. They, in turn, also completed the programme. Today, on the recommendation of their managers, 15 to 20 Computeraid staff a year undertake one of the three modules from the course as their route to developing competitive management skills.
The course offers the opportunity for students to start every six months. Experienced technical staff are developed into confident, effective managers in 18 months.
The OUBS structure requires personal commitment from students. The tutorials and residential weekend provide face-to-face support and valuable exposure to managers in other industries. The tutorial marked assessments (TMAs) require students to apply what they learn to their own situations and present their findings in a structured way. With a mixed intake of degree and non-degree entrants, Computeraid is proud of its students' 98 per cent success rate.
Computeraid provides professional IT solutions and services to such organizations as One2One, Boots, the Confederation of British Industry, the Woolwich, Thomas Cook, Virgin MegaStore and Scottish Life.
