New research from Kubrick reveals significant gaps between the digital skills that employers need and the training young people receive.
In a nationwide survey of 18- to 34-year-olds, more than half of respondents said that digital careers were either not presented during their education or that pathways into technology roles were unclear. As a result, many young people are missing out on opportunities in high-demand fields such as software development and engineering.
Despite strong interest in the sector, perceived barriers continue to limit access. Four in five respondents said they would consider a career in technology, yet many felt unsure how to enter the industry. Almost a quarter believed that retraining or upskilling into a tech role was too expensive, reinforcing the long-term digital skills gap.
There is no quick fix to this challenge. Closing the gap requires sustained collaboration between education, industry, and employers, alongside more inclusive and accessible training models.
Kubrick addresses this challenge by developing its own specialist workforce through intensive, salaried training delivered by experienced industry practitioners. Consultants complete this programme before joining client teams across sectors, giving organizations access to highly capable, diverse talent while creating clear pathways into technology careers.
This approach supports regional economic development and aligns with wider efforts to improve access to high-value digital roles across the UK.
With digital skills becoming essential to almost every job, continued investment in capability development is critical. By 2030, most workers will need to learn new skills to remain effective, making long-term workforce development a business and economic priority.
