e-skills UK (formerly e-skills NTO) has launched a new web portal, HE-IT to improve communications and co-operation between higher education institutions and the employers of IT and telecommunication professionals.

Research conducted by e-skills UK amongst employers and educators into the availability and work-readiness of graduates joining the IT sector confirmed the need for more communication. As a result the HE-IT site has been designed as a one-stop-shop for the information and support services needed to get educators and employers informed and involved.

A key part of the portal is to encourage discussion and an exchange of ideas. In addition the site provides research, useful information and contacts on the following topics: higher education courses, employer partnerships and placements, curriculum development, the recruitment and retention of graduates and regional developments.

"Employers often perceive that graduates do not have the appropriate skills mix to add value to a business, while educators often find it difficult to establish a clear picture of the skills required by IT and telecommunications employers. The HE-IT site aims to bring these two groups together to discuss needs and work alongside each other in partnership," said Terry Hook, project manager, e-skills UK.

"The HE-IT initiative promises to deliver the much needed continuous dialogue between higher education and IT employers so that we can address our mutual interest in improving the IT professional skills essential to the UK economy," said Gillian Lovegrove, Professor of Computing, Northumbria University.

The HE-IT web site is a communications portal designed for Universities, business IT departments and the telecommunications industry. TIT aims to provide information and to provoke discussion on the skills needs of IT and telecommunication professionals to meet industry requirements, and it links up to other valuable partnership initiatives and information gateways such as Career Space, Pan ICT and HERO.