A recent report by The Prince’s Trust has highlighted a growing ‘digital skills crisis’ that significantly impacts young people in the United Kingdom. According to the study, 37% of young individuals are apprehensive about their digital competencies when seeking gainful employment. Furthermore, 41% are uncertain about which digital skills to pursue for future career opportunities.
The report, entitled Decoding The Digital Skills Gap, reveals that inadequate exposure and restricted access to digital skills training are considerable obstacles preventing many young individuals from entering technology-related fields. This lack of digital confidence is particularly acute among those already disadvantaged, such as individuals not in employment, education, or training (NEET) and those with limited internet access.
Lindsey Wright, Head of Future Sectors at The Prince’s Trust, emphasised: “This research paints a bleak picture of a growing digital skills crisis, suggesting young people are not being equipped with the right knowledge, confidence, or opportunities to pursue digitally enabled jobs or training. As the employment landscape rapidly changes around them, we risk locking young people out of our economy and from pursuing their aspirations, while also failing to benefit from all that a rapidly growing, technology-led economy provides.”
The comprehensive study, which involved a nationally representative survey of 2,001 young people aged 16-30 and 20 focus groups across the UK, signifies that 37% of young individuals are not studying digital or tech subjects beyond Key Stage 3. Among NEET young people, this figure rises to 43%. Many report that such subjects either were not offered or were inadequately encouraged during their education. Despite these challenges, 79% of young people expressed a keen interest in training or retraining in both basic and advanced digital skills.
The UK government’s 2022 Digital Strategy underscored the urgency of these findings, noting that over 80% of job advertisements require digital skills. The skill deficit could cost the UK economy up to £63 billion annually, potentially escalating to £120 billion by 2030. Yet, 42% of young people do not perceive digital skills as crucial for their future, with NEET individuals more likely to share this sentiment (52% versus 38%).
A significant disconnect exists between young people and digital careers. When presented with potential roles such as Robotics Engineer, Cyber Security Analyst, and Computer Games Developer, only 11% considered these careers suitable for them, despite acknowledging their lucrative and creative potential. Josie Harrison, Research Director at Solutions Research, noted: “We found strong evidence that young people need significant support to ensure barriers to engaging with digital skills training and careers are removed. There is a clear need to raise awareness of the value of digital skills by demonstrating their relevance to various jobs and industries. Initiatives must prioritise employment outcomes.”
Rohit Gupta, Managing Director UK&I at Cognizant, added: “With global economies and employment landscapes changing at an unprecedented pace in the age of AI, working with The Prince’s Trust enables us to support young people from underrepresented and diverse backgrounds by giving them important opportunities to access skilling and teaching them how to succeed in the workforce of the future.”
Over the past two years, The Prince’s Trust has integrated digital skills modules into programmes like Achieve, benefiting thousands of young people across the UK. As a result, three in four young participants transition into work, education, or training following the programmes. The Prince’s Trust calls for collaborative efforts from employers, educators, and the government to enhance digital skills training and career guidance. By addressing this issue, the UK can unlock youth potential and ensure a well-equipped workforce in a technology-driven economy.
The Prince’s Trust research underscores the urgent need to bridge the digital skills gap among young people in the UK. Through collaborative action from various stakeholders, it is imperative to provide the necessary training and guidance to equip the youth for a rapidly evolving digital economy. Addressing these challenges will not only empower young individuals but also prevent substantial economic losses associated with the digital skills deficit.
