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In brief...

US report identifies IT skills in demand

The latest Robert Half Technology Information Technology Hiring Index and Skills Report has identified the IT skill sets that Chief information officers (CIOs) consider most in demand.

The study, which polled 1,400 CIOs from U.S. companies with 100 or more employees, was conducted by an independent research firm and developed by Robert Half Technology.

When asked which technical skill sets were in shortest supply in their IT departments, 80 percent of CIOs reported a need for Microsoft Windows (NT/2000/XP) administration. Cisco network administration and Checkpoint firewall administration were the second most popular skill sets, each with 51 percent of the response. SQL Server management was cited by 48 percent of executives. (Note: Survey respondents were allowed multiple answers.)

CIOs were also asked which specialties were experiencing the most growth within their IT departments. Networking was the leading choice, cited by 19 percent of executives. Information security and applications development each received 12 percent of the response.

Xpertise adds 40% more capacity to its London Centre

IT training provider Xpertise has added 40% more capacity to its London training operation to cope with increased demand for its services in the City.

"We are absolutely delighted to see the strategy that we put in place for London reaping rewards", said Ian Johnson, managing director of Xpertise. "Over the last 6 months we have been running at a staggering 90+% delegate capacity in London, and have been using external facilities during the weeks where we are over 100%.

"This extra 40% capacity will not only allow us to offer more courses, but will ensure we can cope with the increased demand that we have been experiencing for our current courses. As part of this increase in classroom capacity, we are also building a new Thomson Prometric testing room, a new reception area and an enhanced area for delegates to gain access to email and the internet during breaks."

Xpertise launched its London centre in December 2002 to deliver technical and business skills training. It also maintains five regional training centres.

SummitSkills calls for directors

SummitSkills, the Sector Skills Council for the building services engineering sector, is looking to appoint two new independent board directors.

Employers engaged in the sector (particularly small/micro businesses and sole traders), senior individuals working in higher and further education organisations or training providers and anyone who works in and for the building services engineering sector are required. In particular, SummitSkills wishes to encourage engagement of under-represented groups within the sector, such as ethnic minorities, women and disabled people.

The new appointments will replace two directors who are standing down in accordance with standard company law procedures. The new directors will take office on January 1 2005.

The first step for anyone interested in being a board director is to visit the SummitSkills website at www.summitskills.org.uk/directors.html and return the skills profile questionnaire, or write to Robert Burgon, Company Secretary, SummitSkills Ltd, c/o SNIPEF, 2 Walker Street, Edinburgh, EH3 7LB. Deadline for applications is November 15.

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