Collaboration between a software company, an IT training institute and two recruitment agencies has given rise to an innovative recession-fighting initiative.

Ten out-of work IT consultants have been given a lucky break with the chance to have a week’s free training to upskill with Microsoft Dynamics.

Auckland based ACE Training provided the venue and IT resources at no charge and Evolution Group and Madison Recruitment identified the candidates.

The idea was the brainchild of Stewart Gibbs, manager of Microsoft Dynamics and Tony Skelton, Managing Director of ACE Training

They were concerned that while overall there were a number of IT roles available, there were skills shortages in some areas such as ERP (enterprise resource planning).

“There’s a skill shortage when it comes to filling the demand for IT staff with skills and experience in Dynamics AX, and yet there are lots of good people in the industry who are struggling to find work right now,” Mr Gibbs says.

“We thought, let’s try something different. A few phone calls later and we had a venue and recruiters onboard and it was agreed, let’s give 10 people a helping hand.”

Mr Skelton says, “This is a contribution that we’re able to make to help job seekers to overcome the challenges that the recession has presented, and I believe that the participants have greatly appreciated this opportunity to gain new skills.”

The participants are a talented, skilled group with experience ranging from five to 20 years in the IT sector.

Some have been IT managers and CIOs while others have been consultants, project managers, programme managers and information system managers.

“There’s a gap in the market for this skill set, with a lack of new talent coming through,” Evolution Group director Dave Conaghan says.

Madison Recuitment team manager – IT, Simon Martin agrees. “Despite the recession there is a need to increase the talent pool and address the shortage of IT workers with niche technical skills.”