‘Digitally savvy’ businesses urged to work with schools

The Independent has reported that ‘digitally savvy’ businesses are being encouraged to work with school teachers in order to help close a persistent skills gap in STEM subjects.

A recent survey has revealed that young people are turning their backs on the relevant qualifications that will equip them for ‘the jobs of the future’, despite many showing an interest in IT careers. With STEM qualifications necessary, collaboration between teachers and industry is being seen as key in changing this dynamic.

Your Life, the campaign group behind the calls, argues that it wants to see more teachers spend time in ‘real businesses’ as part of their continuing professional development schemes, in order to better inform students on possible career paths and the best route stop take.

Edwina Dunn, Your Life campaign chair, said: “Our research shows young people have not had experience of ​new era ​employers to allow them to make informed decisions about their future. One fundamental way to change this is to ​invest​ teachers with a better understanding of the reality of working and Jobs of the Future​.

“This is why we are calling on STEM employers to open their doors to teachers as part of their CPD. Collaboration like this is the only way we can achieve lasting change for young people and ensure we close the persistent STEM skills gap that hampers business growth and our economy today​.”