The use of IT is pervasive in all work and leisure and its importance cannot be underestimated. Higher educational institutes are increasingly marketing new IT courses - but are they attracting the students? Today there is a mix of generations within the IT industry, from Baby Boomers, Generation X’ers to the new work generation, Generation Y. This paper will discuss results from a study of university students reviewing different generations and genders and their perceptions of the IT industry. It would appear that not only are women not attracted to I.T. courses, but Generation Y students are unlikely to choose IT as a career path. The implication of these findings, is that the skills shortage problem will not be solved by the next generation of workers, generation Y, as both males and females cannot identify with careers in I.T.

Keywords: IT, Gender, Generation