With predictions that some 750,000 digitally skilled workers will be needed to populate growing technology ventures by 2017, O2 research finds that parents are still not favouring jobs in the sector.
Its findings show that 38 per cent would rather their children pursue a ‘traditional’ career – and suggests that this is an ‘analogue’ approach.
On top of that, 10 per cent say they would ‘actively discourage’ their child from going after a digitally-focused career.
Ann Pickering, HR director at O2, comments, ‘With many businesses now on the hunt for skills and expertise that simply didn’t exist ten years ago, it’s no surprise some parents are struggling to keep pace.
‘The growth of the digital economy presents a huge opportunity for young people – they possess native digital talent but they need the right support both at school and at home.’
When quizzed on whether they thought digital skills were important for their children’s future career, 23 per cent of the 2,000 parents say it is irrelevant and 18 per cent believe employers don’t care about digital skills.
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Parents have been found wanting when it comes to knowledge, based on the finding that 38 per cent admit not knowing enough about the digital economy – thus not being able to make informed choices for their children’s careers.
The findings come in the wake of other research, compiled by jobs website Monster.co.uk, suggesting that there is a growing demand for digital jobs. Its survey finds that vaccines on its site in the ICT category currently stand at 22 per cent.
Andrew Sumner, managing director of Monster UK and Ireland, adds, ‘It’s clear from our numbers, and the conversations we’ve had with employers who use Monster’s services, that digital skills are in demand at all levels.
‘Even if young people do choose to pursue a more traditional career path, they will still need a solid set of digital skills to be considered for a role.’
