UK millennials consider tech skills crucial to securing a job
Telefonica survey reveals 76% of young people in the UK see technology skills as key to future success
Three-quarters of UK Millennials believe it is easier to secure a job when moving from school to the workplace if you have studied technology-based subjects, according to a Telefónica survey.
The study found that the generation which grew up with the internet in the UK, referred to as millennials, believe an education in technology is crucial to future success. Some 25% of respondents rated it more highly than other subjects, including economics (18%), science (18%) and languages (8%).
Surveying more than 12,000 people across 27 countries, it also found that almost half (49%) of UK 18-30-year-olds feel they have excellent knowledge of technology, compared with just 30% worldwide.
Telefónica UK chief executive Ronan Dunne said: “Our economy is now a digital economy and our current generation of young people will be vital to fuelling its success. Digital literacy is fast becoming a minimum standard in the same way as English and Maths, and UK millennials are in a unique position to capitalise on the opportunities the digital economy presents.
“All businesses, big and small, have a role to play, whether through offering new opportunities to young people or better showcasing existing ones through digital means, including events such as Europe’s biggest technology festival, Campus Party.”
Telefónica is set to host Campus Party at the O2 in London this September, which aims to inspire thousands of young people about technology and the careers it can offer.
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Gender divide
According to Telefónica’s survey, a larger proportion of men than women believe technology is to key to future success.
Some 31% of young men see technology as part of a successful career, compared with 18% of young women.
Almost half of young men (47%) said technology has been influential in shaping their outlook on life, compared with 23% of women.
“It’s inspiring to see that they are putting technology at the heart of their future success, but we must do more to help young men and, in particular, young women realise their digital potential,” said Dunne.
