Skill, education and credentials in the new economy: the case of information technology workers.

The article discusses the specifications of education and credentials of information technology (IT) workers. According to human capital theory, there is a close relationship between education, skills and the success of the labor market. However, other theorists hold that educational credentials may limit access to good jobs, and prevents passage to jobs where skills are learned. In countries such as Canada and Great Britain, IT groups have sought to have government legislation recognize job credentials in order to pursue social closure. It is concluded that in the case of IT, educational credentials are significant, not because of the skills and knowledge, but because they show an ability and willingness to learn.