Among the various expectations placed on young people, they are envisioned as the leaders of the ‘digital jobs of the future’. Many of the young people we work with are already using digital skills to solve problems, and better digital skills are often associated with better cognitive skills – such as logic, processing skills, and attention.

Recognising the pivotal role these skills can play in growing the UK’s digital economy, it is crucial that we take bold steps to realise this potential now - a huge part of achieving this hinges on how digital skills are taught to young people and how this preparation impacts their readiness for the world of work.

Closing the gap in digital skills requires not only increasing access to opportunities but also providing support to build and apply those skills in real-world settings. This principle is vital. Students using technology in the classroom is not enough in itself; they need to translate this experience into key digital skills through applied learning and by having access to relatable industry role models.

Digital Skills Driving Economic Growth

Recent research from Gallup and Amazon Web Services (AWS) shows that investing in advanced digital skills could raise annual gross domestic product (GDP) in the UK by an estimated £67.8 billion each year. It is welcoming to note that the government has announced a £200 million digital skills training package to help people across the UK launch careers in high priority sectors, but embedding these skills into education is the key to empowering tomorrow’s leaders.

The thread between applied learning and building skills which then increases productivity and social mobility is key to driving economic growth. There are discussions about AI being the 4th Industrial Revolution, but we risk real dislocation in employment if people don’t get access to the skills to take on new opportunities when their jobs change in response to AI development.

Bridging the Gap in Schools

Embedding digital skills into an applied learning approach across the curriculum is less about technical expertise and more about cultivating a mindset. Comfort with uncertainty, a willingness to experiment, curiosity, and the acceptance of trial and error, are essential for understanding the important role that data and models play in problem-solving and creating new possibilities.

Closing the gap needs support from relatable figures. So not always a senior manager, but someone who can help alter mindsets and showcase future possibilities. If you don’t have someone at home able to talk about or modelling these skills in action, then the importance of access to role models at school or in the local community is even more important.

Digital technology can also support teachers in taking creative approaches to teaching other curriculum subjects such as maths, art and literacy. However, as with financial education – just being on the curriculum won’t shift the dial. More support for teachers to use digital tools, greater investment in teacher training as a long-term commitment, and exploring opportunities to expand the breadth of student assessment approaches are all important considerations to support teachers at this critical time.

Examples of Young People Solving Problems Using Digital

An example of this was showcased by a group of young people taking part in the Young Enterprise Start Up Programme at Salford University. In response to the environmental impact of clothing returns, the team tackled the ‘bracketing’ trend in online fashion purchases (when consumers purchase multiple versions of an item with the intention of keeping only one and returning the rest) by developing a conceptual augmented reality clothing app. This innovative solution allowed users to virtually try on clothes in the metaverse before buying, aiming to reduce returns and curb carbon emissions. 

This application of digital skills to solve a real-world problem exemplifies the transformative potential of applied learning. Students not only acquired technical proficiency but also developed insights into the intersectionality of technology, business, and environmental responsibility, illustrating the broader impact of applied learning to tackle wider issues impacting society.

The Synergy of Digital Mindset and Enterprise

As AI continues to influence job roles and industry landscapes, fostering AI awareness has the potential to influence the development of leadership roles too.

Beyond technical competencies, a digital mindset aligns with an enterprising mindset. Both require curiosity, the ability to leverage data for exploration, and the capacity to devise solutions to real-world challenges. Young people equipped with these mindsets become discerning consumers of information, understanding how digital skills, including AI literacy, can positively impact society.

A Final Word

The integration of digital skills and AI awareness into education provides the foundation for empowering young minds to not only navigate the complexities of the digital age but also emerge as innovative leaders in an AI-driven world.

While recognising the inherent challenges of implementation to ensure consistency of access to these skills, the opportunity for educational institutions, policymakers, and industries to collaborate in fostering a generation prepared for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead is one not to be missed.