THE FIA SkillsMatch Scheme Released 19 May 2000 The fibre optics industry, in common with other "hi-tech" areas, suffers from a critical shortage of skilled expertise in certain areas. In a rapidly growing market, finding skilled people can be a major growth limitation for many companies. Conversely, when compared with other industries, for example, the copper IT cabling market, there is abundance of fibre optic installation training schemes and qualifications. Many FIA members have difficulty in accessing the right people - who not only have the basic qualifications, but also have the necessary proven ability to manage teams and interface with clients. The latest initiative from the FIA is its SkillsMatch Scheme, an online database where any individual, can submit details of their relevant qualifications to the FIA who will post them on its online database at www.fibreoptic.org.uk for a small fee. The applicant does not necessarily have to be a member of the FIA, but must have attained City of Guilds qualifications in the 3466 series or National Vocational Qualifications in IOL or SVC series. SkillsMatch is constrained to UK national qualifications; however, with many of the major networking and cable manufacturers running well-regarded training courses, there is space on the database for individuals to note qualifications gained from proprietary schemes. FIA member companies will be able to access this database on-line at anytime bringing prospective employers together with potential employees. For an annual fee of £25.00, (including VAT) an individual can register on the "Record Only" section of the SkillsMatch web-base. This will list full name and qualifications. This allows employers to check credentials and the FIA will provide information regarding further training and education opportunities in our technology area. Alternatively, "Full Access" registration via the payment of an associated upgrade fee of £15.00, (including VAT) displays more information including the general location (city, county etc) and enables FIA member companies to access the individual's selected contact point. This information is available to all FIA members, all the time, from the web site. In addition, a list will be e-mailed to all FIA members once per month. Over a year, this equates to an individual paying an additional 11p per day for advertising to more than 200 prospective employers. With a severe shortage of skilled people, particularly those with project supervisory and management skills, access to SkillsMatch is a major advantage to member companies - and it is just one of the many services available for an annual subscription of just a few hundred pounds. *** Ends 408 words *** Notes to Editors. For further information: FIA commercial contact: Andrew Watson Commercial Director c/o 3M Telecom Systems tel: 01344 866352 fax: 01344 866309 e-mail: awatson9@mmm.com FIA administrative contact: Jane Morrison Fibreoptic Industry Association Owles Hall Owles Lane Buntingford SG9 9PL tel: 01763 273039 fax: 01763 273255 e-mail: jane@fiasec.demon.co.uk Agency contact: Nigel May Parkfield Parkfield House, Damerham, Hants, SP6 3HQ tel: 01725 518321 fax: 01725 518378 e-mail: Nigel_May@parkfield.co.uk The Fibreoptic Industry Association represents more than 80% of UK companies involved in the manufacture or installation of fibre optic components and systems for voice and data communications. The Association provides advice to end-users, runs training and qualification services for its members, contributes to the development of national and international standards and generally represents the interests of the fibre industry. Its web site, www.fibreoptic.org.uk provides a free online reference service to all visitors.