Generation Z ‘let down by tech education’

Gen Z may be the most digitally savvy generation in history but the technology education they have received, or have taught themselves, is not preparing them for the workplace.

That is the conclusion of a report from the technology giant Intel which found a “lack of understanding” in a survey of 1,000 adults aged 18 to 21 about what skills they will need to have.

In a separate report released today one of Britain’s leading employers’ organisations has praised the introduction of the new T-level vocational qualifications — an alternative to A-levels — but warned that students could be failed by business unless tens of thousands of work placements are found to complement their education.

A report by the technology giant Intel suggests that the technology education ‘Gen Z’ have received – or have taught themselves – is not preparing them for the workplace. The report by Intel states that Gen Z could make up as much as a quarter of the UK workforce by later this decade and that nine in ten of those jobs will require digital skills. It concluded, however: “Gen Z hasn’t been educated about emerging technologies. The acceleration of emerging technologies is outpacing the education system.

As a result, Gen Z are not going to leave formal education equipped with an understanding of the emerging technologies that will shape the future workforce.” The survey found that 55% of respondents either did not understand or had no idea about AI (artificial intelligence); 70% either did not understand or had no idea about quantum technologies (such as data science); and 50% either did not understand or had no idea what cybersecurity is.

Source: Generation Z ‘let down by tech education’ | Business | The Times