Why You Need Digital Skills For Lifelong Employability | And How To Build Them

Summary

The video discusses the critical global shortage of digital skills, highlighting findings from a March 2021 report that less than half of employers believe young graduates possess adequate digital skills. With 76% of employers citing a lack of these skills as detrimental to profitability, and 92% deeming them essential, the demand for proficiency in basic tools like Word and Excel is emphasized. The video encourages individuals to cultivate curiosity, identify skill gaps, and commit to lifelong learning through accessible resources like Google’s Digital Garage. It urges viewers to invest in their digital skills for future employability in an increasingly digital world.

Takeaways

• 😀 The global workforce faces a shortage of digital skills, impacting employability and productivity.
• 📉 Less than 50% of employers believe that young adults have adequate digital skills upon leaving education.
• 💼 76% of employers acknowledge that a lack of basic digital skills is detrimental to their profitability.
• 🔑 Basic digital skills include proficiency in software like Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• 🚀 92% of employers consider basic digital skills essential for their business operations.
• 📊 Digital skills are required in 82% of all online job openings in the UK.
• 💰 Jobs requiring digital skills typically offer salaries that are 30% higher than those that do not.
• 🔍 The most in-demand skills focus on everyday productivity tools, which account for 80% of digital skill demand.
• ✨ Cultivating curiosity and investing in personal development are crucial for building digital skills.
• 📚 Free resources for skill development are widely available, such as Google’s Digital Garage and Microsoft Academy.

Q & A

What is the main issue discussed in the transcript?

The transcript discusses the global shortage of digital skills, emphasizing its relevance in the UK and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on skill development.

What percentage of employers believe that young people leave education with sufficient digital skills?

Less than 50% of employers believe that young people (ages 16-24) leave education with sufficient digital skills.

How does a lack of basic digital skills affect businesses?

76% of employers recognize that a lack of basic digital skills is damaging to their profitability.

What do 70% of surveyed young people want from their employers regarding digital skills?

70% of young people want an employer that invests in their digital skills.

What types of digital skills are defined in the transcript?

Digital skills are categorized into baseline skills, which include proficiency in productivity software like Word and Excel, and specific skills, which encompass more advanced knowledge relevant to particular jobs.

What is the projected growth in demand for basic digital skills over the next five years?

The demand for basic digital skills is projected to grow by 7% over the next five years.

What are some key productivity tools that are in high demand according to the transcript?

The most desired productivity tools include Excel, PowerPoint, and Word, with these tools making up about 80% of the digital demand in the market.

What is suggested as a way to build digital skills?

Individuals are encouraged to cultivate curiosity, recognize areas for improvement, and commit to continuous learning as strategies to build their digital skills.

What free resources are mentioned for improving digital skills?

Free resources such as Google’s Digital Garage and Microsoft Academy are mentioned as excellent opportunities for learning essential software skills.

Where can individuals find a comprehensive digital skills toolkit?

Individuals can find a comprehensive digital skills toolkit at steelthesports.com/digital-skills, which offers a collection of free resources for building digital competencies.