The Linx effect: UK ISPs get skills shortage boost

The London Internet Exchange (Linx) is attempting to tackle the IT skills shortage by running training courses for students in the latest internet technologies.

A Linx spokesman said engineering graduates lacked the necessary breadth and practical experience required by industry. He said: "At the moment, ISPs are investing a reasonable amount of money in re-training graduates. It is a form of backwards integration." In particular, he said graduates had no exposure to the latest switches and router equipment. Linx, which represents over 100 UK ISPs, has announced plans to liase between its members and universities to set up as many industry placements as possible. Universities in the UK and Germany are keen to get involved, and the project has received full support from Linx's members.