Helping more young people into digital careers could give a boost to the South West economy and help address the region’s chronic economic and social challenges, a new report says.
“The Tech Frontier: Shaping the Future of the South-West Peninsula” says the tech sector is crucial to the region’s economy - “with just two tech employers surpassing the entire output of the region's fishing industry”.
But the report, funded by The Hg Foundation as part of the work of the University of Exeter’s South West Social Mobility Commission, says the region has a “tech skills mismatch” that needs to be resolved so more people can benefit from the tech sector’s growth.
The study says the tech workforce in the South-West is set to grow by 26% from 2022 to 2027, faster than any other sector. The region is home to nearly 18,000 tech companies, supporting 170,000 employees. But the South West had the lowest uptake of level 3 IT qualifications in England (5%) as of 2019.
The Tech Frontier report highlights some of the issues that contribute to that issue, including a lack of awareness of the industry among young people and teachers. And it says that boosting tech skills could help tackle the low wages and productivity in the peninsula.
It says there is a “disconnect” between the tech qualifications young people earn and the skills employers need, and says more young people should be encouraged to pursue IT-related qualifications.
The report has eight key recommendations:
Hands-on tech work experience opportunities for year 10 students
Interactive tech workshops in secondary schools, led by industry professionals
Dedicated school “Tech Days” where lessons link each subject to technology
Sixth forms should offer level 4/5 tech foundation courses, backed by local colleges and universities
Colleges need to provide level 4/5 tech foundation courses in the most in-demand tech areas
A mentorship programme pairing tech professionals with students
A “Tech Talent Marketplace” - quarterly databases of who tech employers need and who tech educators have
Coaching for pupils on how to use LinkedIn effectively for recruitment
The principal author of the report, Henry Jones, a strategy consultant at the Boston Consulting Group, said: “By addressing the critical skills gap and fostering a more inclusive tech ecosystem, the South-West peninsula can secure its position as a leading hub of innovation and opportunity. With effort and collaboration, the region can cultivate a thriving tech industry that benefits all. This will help the economy and empower the next generation with valuable skills and opportunities.”
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The South West Social Mobility Commission was set up to bring about transformational change in education and employment outcomes for disadvantaged young people. Chaired by Sir Michael Barber, it brings together a dedicated and passionate group of civic leaders from across the region to drive cross-sectoral work to break down the barriers facing children and young people in the South-West peninsula. The eleven inaugural Commissioners represent a range of sectors from across the South-West peninsula who are giving their time voluntarily over the next three to five years.
Professor Lee Elliot Major, from the University of Exeter, who leads the Commission, said: “Developing digital-related qualifications that match the needs of employers at a regional level and increasing their uptake amongst students has real potential to address the South-West’s business and social mobility challenges.”
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Dr Anne-Marie Sim, from the South-West Social Mobility Commission and the University of Exeter, said: “Lower numbers of young people in the region go on to university compared to other parts of the 海角视频. Work available to those who stay in the South-West is often unskilled and lower paid. Increasing the uptake of technical qualifications has the potential to improve social mobility for those from poorer backgrounds and offer better pay and career progression for the less privileged. This important analysis will help us develop a plan to help start this process.”
James Turner, CEO at The Hg Foundation, said: “We hope this report will be a catalyst for a collective effort to open up the world of tech to young people in the South-West. We want the future tech workforce to be as diverse, vibrant and inclusive as the world it aims to serve.”