Is Reading’s lack of digital skills jeopardises business growth? Our reply to Reading Today.

Article from our Chair, Robert B. :

I recently read with interest an article in Reading Today ‘Reading’s lack of #digitalskills jeopardises business growth’ and I completely endorse the reporter’s comment about encouraging organisations in #rdguk to priorities digital #upskilling .

As reported there is a significant skills shortage in #digitaltech.?At Berkshire LEP we believe that collaboration is key in order to move forward.?We have been working with our local training providers to respond to this and I would encourage all employers in Reading to get involved and reach out to their local education providers to help shape the curriculum to ensure their needs are met; provide more science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) ambassadors as role models; as well as work experience and placements.

Some excellent examples include Reading College , who have opened its South Central Institute of Technology to bridge the digital skills gap, understand and respond to business needs, and create unrivalled talent in the process. The College provides higher level technical qualifications and offer a real-world learning experience, aiming to increase the diversity of the technology sector and develop learners.?? Activate Learning

The The Curious Lounge , based in Reading, boasts a Digital Skills Hub that provides a skills programme for young people that will not only expand their horizons about future career options, but provide them with the tangible skills and know-how they’ll need to enter the world of employment with the right level of confidence.

The Industry Educator Programme is working across all the colleges in Berkshire to help address the local skills shortage in the Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Maths industries. They are already working with a range of employers to share current industry methods, ideas, and best practice but want to work with more.

Berkshire LEP recently published a digital skills sector report which stated that the digital sector plays a significant role in the economy of Berkshire. We are home to over 72,300 jobs and multi-national corporations including 微软 and Vodafone ; there are 72,320 digital jobs in Berkshire today, representing 14% of all jobs in Berkshire. Demand for these jobs has remained strong in recent years, with job vacancy volume recovering quickly after a minor dip during the first Covid-19 lockdown.

Major digital employers locally include Microsoft, Vodafone Group, Three UK and Micro Focus , who require workers from multiple occupations to operate effectively. There is evidence of existing need for workers in areas such as software development and telecommunications, with specialist skills including telecommunications and SQL programming also being demanded by employers.

Projections indicate significant future demand from digital employers for workers in multiple occupations between 2021 and 2030. These occupations include IT business analysts, architects and systems designers; and programmers and software development professionals. The further education and apprenticeship systems will play an important role in meeting this demand by providing a steady stream of people with the right skills.