Kingston University is to be at the forefront of tackling the information technology skills shortage in the south east after being awarded £1.3million by the Government to lead a new regional technology initiative.

The university will head up one of 18 New Technology Institutes (NTIs), which are regional groups of education providers that will offer training in advanced technology to businesses and students.

The NTI will focus on filling the skills gaps in IT experienced by small firms in the south east.

While the initiative will be overseen by Kingston University, it will actually be delivered in the borough by Kingston College and throughout the region by other further education colleges.

David Miles, pro-vice chancellor for external affairs and business development at the university, said the scheme was aimed primarily at young people in work who wanted to develop skills to promote their long term employability.

Work has already started on the NTI and it is expected to start rolling out by the autumn.