BEC阅读全真试题Problems in the IT industry.docx

BEC 阅读全真试题：Problems in the IT industry Problems in the IT industry In the information technology industry, it is widelyacknowledged that how well IT departments of the future canfulfil their business goals will depend not on the regular updatingof technology, which is essential for them to do, but on how wellthey can hold on to the people skilled at manipulating thenewest technology. This is becoming more difficult. Bestestimates of the current shortfall in IT staff in the UK arebetween 30,000 and 50,000, and growing. And there is no end to the problem in sight. A severe industry- wide lack of investment intraining means the long-term skills base is both ageing and shrinking. Employers are chasingexperienced staff in ever-decreasing circles, and, according to a recent government report, 250,000 new IT jobs will be created over the next decade. Most employers are confining themselves to dealing with the immediate problems. There is littleevidence, for example, that they are stepping up their intake of raw recruits for in-house training,or retraining existing staff from other functions. This is the course of action recommended by theComputer Software Services Association, but research shows its members are adopting the short-term measure of bringing in more and more consultants on a contract basis. However, thisapproach is becoming less and less acceptable as the general shortage of skills, coupled with highdemand, sends contractor rates soaring. An experienced contract programmer, for example, cannow earn at least double the current permanent salary. With IT professionals increasingly attracted to the financial rewards and flexibility ofconsultancy work, average staff turnover rates are estimated to be around 15%. While manycompanies in the financial services sector are managing to contain their losses by offering skilled ITstaff golden handcuffs - deferred loyalty bonuses that tie them in until a certain date - otherorganisations, like local governments, are unable