Ministers are warning the government, industry and education institutions to take urgent action to tackle the UK’s skills crisis.
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A report from the Commons Science and Technology Committee has urged the government’s digital strategy to be published without delay.
The committee’s chairwoman, Nicole Blackwood said: “It calls for businesses to invest more and better training at all levels of education. “The UK leads Europe on tech, but we need to take concerted action to avoid falling behind. We need to make sure tomorrow’s workforce is leaving school or university with the digital skills that employers need.”
The report found that:
- 22 per cent of IT equipment in schools is ineffective.
- Just 35 per cent of computer science teachers had a relevant qualification.
- Only 70 per cent of the required number of computer science teachers have been recruited.
- The UK needs another 745,000 workers with digital skills by 2017.
- 90 per cent of jobs require digital skills to some degree.
- Skills gap costs economy around £63bn a year in lost income.
“There is a lack of awareness of career opportunities within the digital sector, sometimes reflecting skill and gender stereotypes around the types of roles that exist.
“Many organisations are not maximising the potential of new digital technologies or utilising the skills and talents of their employees in the most productive way. Almost 50 per cent of employers have a digital skills gap, which includes specialist technical roles.”
The committee is also calling for businesses to invest more and better training at all levels of education.
Blackwood added: “The UK leads Europe on tech, but we need to take concerted action to avoid falling behind. We need to make sure tomorrow’s workforce is leaving school or university with the digital skills that employers need.”