‘We must equip the next generation not just with the skills that we know industry needs today but also with the skills they will need for a future not yet imagined’Commons Science and Technology Select Committee
Right now, our competition inbox is full of entries from young people with an abundance of talent in technology.
But it would seem these talented teenagers are the cream of the crop – an elite few – according to a group of MPs who have this week warned the UK faces a digital skills crisis.
While here at MirrorSphere HQ we are hearing daily from students in Oxfordshire who are building servers, creating websites, designing games, making videos and launching online businesses, a report warns that ‘digital exlusion’ is rife in the UK.
The document, from the Commons Science and Technology Committee found that:
22% of IT equipment in schools is ineffective
Just 35% of computer science teachers has a relevant qualification
Only 70% of the required number of computer science teachers have been recruited
The UK needs another 745,000 workers with digital skills by 2017
90% of jobs require digital skills to some degree
Skills gap costs economy around £63bn a year in lost income
The committee called for more investment to ensure the UK does not fall behind in technology.
At MirrorSphere we’re hopeful and optimistic for the future. Judging by the standard of entries received for MirrorSphere Future Tech Star 2016, there is some impressive talent out there – and that’s just in Oxfordshire.
Our hope is that these young people can lead the way, become the experts of the future and inspire others to follow in their footsteps.
‘As a result of emerging technologies, there is also a growing demand for high level digital skills in areas such as cyber security, cloud and mobile computing and data analytics’ Commons Science and Technology Select Committee
At MirrorSphere we’re all about embracing new technology – whether it’s for personal use, small businesses or multinational enterprises. We’re trying to harness the passion that young people are showing for all things digital and encourage more technology-minded people into the industry. This doesn’t have to be in cloud computing or cyber security – it can be in film making, medical research, robotics or space travel, or almost any business you can think of.
Pretty much every business needs some kind of digital basis these days. However, if the call of technology itself is not enough, it’s certainly worth remembering that according to the report the average salary in digital roles is 36% higher than the national average … something definitely worth bearing in mind when choosing a career!
Enter Competition!
If you are aged 16-19 and live or study in Oxfordshire, you can enter the competition here:
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