A University of Brighton academic has claimed Sussex businesses are missing out on the information technology talent at local universities.

Placements officer Rick Fell said he had over 140 students looking for year-long placements in the region beginning this summer.

Information technology courses produced graduates with the strong technical skills needed by technology and new media businesses, including project management, database design and administration and Java scripting.

He said: "There are many benefits of the placements scheme to employers. Recruiting a student for a year provides a flexible and cost- effective way of meeting staffing needs, increasing staff levels at critical times following an upturn in business or to cover temporary shortages."

Student placements could form part of a company's long-term graduate recruitment strategy.

"We have an excellent record of supplying local businesses, such as Exponent, which has taken our students for the last three years with great success."

Graham Mortimer, company secretary of the Hove-based software developer , said: "We used the Brighton University placement service because we wanted software developers who were both local and already well trained.

"We have had an excellent relationship for the last three years and would endorse the scheme to other Sussex employers."

Software engineering student Jamie Browning, on his sandwich year at Exponent, said: "I don't understand why more courses do not offer links with industry as work experience is so essential to getting a job after graduation."

"On the whole, I would recommend this course to all would-be information technology students and would definitely encourage more Sussex employers to get on board and feel the benefit of having a Brighton University student."

Mr Fell said students worked for an average salary of £12 to £14,000 before returning to complete their final year of study.

Although students are not available for work until the summer, interested companies should contact Mr Fell as soon as possible.

rick.fell@brighton.ac.uk