We are on the cusp of a digital revolution and you are going to determine its successes – who benefits, how and where. There is much to be gained, but not without your ethical input, diverse viewpoints, and sparky ideas. As one generation passes the baton to the other, prepare to take it with both hands – and sprint for your future.
The evolution of digital technologies is maturing at a critical point in our planet’s history. Just as we come to terms with the footprints of previous industrial revolutions, the next one will enable us to adapt, build greener technologies and live more sustainably. But technology alone is not a solution. Technology is built, programmed and unleashed by people. It requires capable, highly-skilled and diverse hands – guided by creative visions that place human-progress for all at the centre.
Today we are in short supply of top technologists, who will shape our futures with critical skills from coding to AI and cyber security. This puts the UK’s progress at risk and hinders opportunities for future generations. We are doing our best, with internship schemes and STEM outreach programmes to raise the next class of technologists. But this generation has indeed been short-sighted. The skills gap has not, so far, been plugged.
So, take this as a statement of intent – to drive the industry to do more. Working alongside government and educators to ensure opportunities are provided, with clear career pathways and diverse representation. This is a collaborative effort, just as the pandemic and the climate require the world to pull together, the skills gap requires a keen focus from multiple stakeholders.
But it needs to go beyond funding upskilling opportunities and lacing school curriculums with ample STEM content. To truly inspire the next generation to take that baton, technology disciplines must be merged with interest and leisure. For example, we know that there is a positive correlation between gaming and the uptake of STEM subjects. Utilising this vehicle for entertainment and education is crucial to inspiring and empowering today’s students. Similarly supporting groups in which students can learn to code and develop their own games.
It’s time we think outside the box. The number of young people taking IT subjects at GCSE has dropped 40% since 2015. Enough is enough. Our future depends on plugging the skills gap – are you ready to collaborate?
