Keywords
Citation
(2000), "ASTD supports the Information Technology Act of 2000", Journal of European Industrial Training, Vol. 24 No. 6. https://doi.org/10.1108/jeit.2000.00324fab.006
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2000, MCB UP Limited
ASTD supports the Information Technology Act of 2000
ASTD supports the Information Technology Act of 2000Keywords USA, Employees, Training needs, Information technology
The American Society for Training & Development (ASTD) has hailed The Information Technology Act of 2000 as an important step in addressing the technology needs of the US workforce and the ongoing IT worker shortage. The legislation would authorise US$100 million in matching Federal grants for partnerships between the private sector, colleges, universities, and organisations or professional associations which provide IT training.
Although recent data show that employer-provided training increases every year, firms know they need to provide even more training to keep their workforces competitive in the new economy. According to ASTD's 2000 State of the Industry Report, an annual survey that collects information from more than 500 organisations across the country on the nature of their training expenditures and practices, total training expenditures increased 11 per cent between 1997 and 1998. Firms project an even higher increase (14 per cent) in training expenditures between 1998 and 1999.
In addition, survey respondents report having spent the most (13 per cent) on training for technical processes and procedures and information technology skills, further evidence that IT training is of utmost importance for US workers.
Grants provided by the legislation – with a special emphasis on educating under-served populations such as high school drop-outs, minorities, women, older Americans, veterans, native Americans and dislocated workers – will serve as a key tool in providing additional training and education to the country's growing workforce.
Further information is available from the ASTD, 1640 King Street, Box 1443, Alexandria, Virginia 22313-2043, USA. Tel: (703) 683 8100; Fax: (703) 683 8103; Internet: www.astd.org