LecturerGood morning. Today I want to examine the scale of digital skill gaps in the modern workforce and what organisations and individuals can do about them.
LecturerThe McKinsey Global Institute estimates that by twenty thirty, between seventy-five and three hundred and seventy-five million workers globally may need to change occupational categories due to automation.
LecturerIn the UK specifically, the Open University has found that eighty-five per cent of employers believe there is a digital skills gap within their organisation.
LecturerThe most in-demand digital skills today are data analysis, cybersecurity, and cloud computing — in that order of employer demand.
LecturerInterestingly, soft skills are becoming more valuable as hard technical tasks become automated. Critical thinking, creativity, and communication are now listed in the top five required skills by the World Economic Forum.
LecturerThe most effective upskilling programmes share three features: they are short — typically between four and twelve weeks; they are hands-on with real projects; and they result in a recognised credential.