Propeller heads and 'suits' out of the hub

Propeller heads need not apply to be part of the new generation of savvy IT professionals emerging in Australia, according to a new initiative launched last week called Youth Hub.

The initiative, which has been launched to attract young people to IT and telecommunications industries, aims to remove the industry stereotype of isolated, office bound 'propeller heads'.

The Youth Hub comprises an online portal offering information on career options and a structured workplace learning program for students, entitled 'I Can Make It'.

A committee of nine young business leaders oversees the initiative and the Hub aims to provide a conduit between youth, educators and the IT industry.

IT Skills Hub chairman, Gerry Moriarty, said the greatest obstacle to recruiting young people is the misconception about the industry and IT stereotypes.

He said IT skills developed today will be used in the next economic upturn and this "cannot be done by a group of middle-aged people in suits".

The Hub is supported by a range of IT companies including Sun Microsystems, Nortel Networks, Oracle Australia, Siemens and Hewlett-Packard Australasia.