Companies need to help in IT training - Mariano Gago
Further effort in the training and education of students and professionals in the areas of information technology should be not just the responsibility of the state, but also of private firms according to Portuguese minister for science and technology, Mariano Gago. Speaking at the conclusion of the 'Multimedia XXI' conference in Lisbon on Sunday 6 May, Mr Gago claimed that this would also be a way of addressing the growing demand for IT skills. His proposal was supported by other commentators at the event, notably Peter Keen, a British specialist in the effect of IT in companies. 'There is nothing more important on a business or a social level than education,' he said. He added that the model used in the USA is one where education has a strong link to business and this is helped by the internal policies of companies like Cisco, which has a strong emphasis on training staff. Companies need to be involved in education as much as training, as high levels of illiteracy are a brake on development of the necessary IT skills. le s
Kraje
Portugal