The UK IT skills sector has experienced the largest annual growth in training spending since 2000, with 2007 alone reporting a 10% boost, according to the latest industry figures.

The 2007 Top 50 report, to be published today, has found that the UK IT training market in 2007 was worth £530 million, an increase of 10.5% over 2006.

"The total size of the professional UK IT training sector declined during 2001, 2002 and 2003 and, after a period of steady growth since 2004, has now exceeded its previous market high of £525 million reached in 2000," said David Pardo of IT Skills Research.

"These findings are supported by a variety of other market indicators that we regularly monitor, including quarterly financial reports from across the UK IT training-provider sector, which have shown steady growth since 2004," he added.

The growth figure relates to the 'professional' IT training sector, which is used by employers to provide training for their staff. It excludes training provided by universities and colleges, training purchased by private individuals and government-funded training programmes.