WIREDGOV

techUK CEO Julian David comments on the marginal increase in students taking Computing at schools.

“There is a social and economic imperative for the UK to offer the best in digital skills education.  If almost 90% of jobs in the future will require digital skills then we need an education system that is giving people the tools to thrive in a digital world.  

“It is good to see that the number of pupils taking Computing is up, albeit marginally. Computing offers students the right building blocks for the digital age but the Government needs a plan to promote Computing when ICT is no longer available next year.

“It will be interesting to see how many girls took Computing this year – fingers crossed it is up from 20% last year. The sector strives to deliver greater diversity and this starts at school. We need to make sure girls are empowered to take up STEM subjects like Computing.

“That’s why techUK is backing initiatives such as People Like Me – a revolutionary approach to getting girls interested in STEM, and we urge the Government to renew its focus on digital skills."