WGPlus (Archive)

‘Leave’ or ‘Remain’, our prosperous future depends on our digital skills

The Science & Technology Committee has published a report warning that the UK risks being left behind if the Government does not take more action to address the digital skills crisis12.6m adults in the UK lack basic digital skills; 5.8m people have never used the internet; only 35% of computer teachers in schools have a relevant degree and 30% of the required number of computer science teachers have not been recruited.  This digital skills gap is costing the UK economy £63bn a year in lost GDP.

The MPs question why the Government has taken so long to produce the long-promised 'Digital Strategy' and call for it to be published without further delay.  The Committee warns that the Strategy needs to go further than merely listing cross-government digital activity, but present a vision for the future delivered by collaborative work from all involved—industry, educators and Government.

Researched Links:

PC&PE:  Action needed on digital skills crisis

BCS calls on Government to provide the right leadership to beat digital skills gap

techUK:  UK risks falling further behind on digital skills, warns parliamentary committee

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Training for a digital future

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techUK welcomes Government commitment to basic digital skills

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Review of publicly funded digital skills qualifications

Launch of the Universal Learning Offer in libraries

Scotland’s first digital skills academy opens its doors

BCS respond to OECD report on technology in schools

Digital literacy as important as literacy and numeracy for today's society

techUK Calls for National Digital Skills Map to stop the UK Falling Behind

BCS and the Tech Partnership put professional development high on agenda for IT specialists

New plans to embed digital competence into curriculum

Managing ICT programmes continues to be a challenge

BIS announce initiatives aimed at closing the widening cyber security skills gap

Facing the Future...find out more