“The NZ ICT Sector and businesses throughout NZ are facing a range of problems including a skills shortage (not enough people working in ICT in New Zealand), significant reduction in student intake into further ICT education (and reduction in the percentage graduating), negative perception of ICT as a career amongst the country’s youth, lack of retention of skilled individuals in New Zealand and significant failure
rates in major projects, especially at Government level.

Until now these have been considered as separate problems, however they are actually only symptoms of a larger problem – the lack of professional recognition within the ICT industry, and the lack of marketing of ICT as a worthwhile and valuable profession.

These issues can only be addressed by a change in focus – we must transform ICT practice into a true profession. This can only be achieved via the implementation of an internationally-recognised professional certification (or “charter”) programme, much like it has been done in most other professions.

The NZ Computer Society’s international kindred organisations have already begun the transformation of the sector via certification in other countries, and we need to ensure we move the NZ ICT sector to the forefront internationally by implementing internationally-recognised certification in New Zealand. Without this the ability of NZ ICT companies to compete on the global stage will be limited.

The NZCS has formed a Working Group which will investigate in detail the certification programmes implemented overseas by our kindred organisations, and construct a framework for the implementation of professional ICT certification in New Zealand. A key objective of this Group will be to consult and engage with industry, academia and all levels of government in NZ.

The projected costs and accurate timeframe of implementation will not be known until the Working Group has completed their report, however it is expected the cost will be between $200,000 and $400,000 with implementation completed no later than the end of 2009. The Society will be looking to Industry and Government to contribute to these costs.”

From the NZCS Discussion Document. If you would like the full document sent to you please email megansmith@920.co.nz