A number of studies have highlighted the shortcomings in young peoples’ ICT skills for the modern workplace, and that ICT will be a part of 90% of jobs in the near future. That’s why Telecentre-Europe, with support from Microsoft, is developing Skillage – an online software application that helps young people to understand the more sophisticated ICT skills they need for the job market in 2012.

There is a growing body of education professionals who believe that when young people leave school their ICT skills have already not kept pace with the changing world of technology. School ICT curricula across Europe does not yet include social media, or the cloud, or many areas of ICT other than basic functional computer use.

Through a series of 15 questions Skillage will challenge the user to understand the areas they could improve upon, and the learning venues where they can get support to do so. It will also give policy makers a better understanding of ICT skill levels in young people across Europe.

Skillage will be available online via browser, on Facebook, and in time as smartphone and DiTV Apps. It is now in beta testing with girls from Green Light for Girls, and young women at Interface3.

Skillage will be launched before Get Online Week 2012, and promoted by telecentres involved in the campaign.