Increased educational focus needed to bridge the skills gap

A-Level results day has brought a mix of anticipation and reflection, especially among students awaiting their grades as an indicator of their next steps in education and work.

Amongst this year's highlights is the steady rise in Computer Science's popularity, showing an 11.3% increase in enrolments compared to previous years. Despite this growth, Computer Science has not made it into the top ten A-Level subjects, a fact that raises eyebrows, particularly within the tech industry.

David Shepherd, Senior Vice President of EMEA at Ivanti, voices his concern regarding this trend. He argues that the absence of Computer Science from the top ten subjects is alarming given its critical role in today’s technologically driven world. Shepherd comments, "Technology plays an integral role in every aspect of our lives. Yet although the digital revolution has been going on for years, the skills gap is widening." He underscores the broader implications, stating, "Every job, from engineering to law, is increasingly reliant on technology."

Shepherd advocates for a concerted effort by tech leaders to influence organisational investments in educational infrastructure. "Increasing the focus on computer science in schools is paramount," he says. He calls for providing students with the necessary tools and knowledge to thrive, ensuring businesses can build a future talent pipeline. Shepherd emphasises the importance of digital fluency not only for IT careers but for general professional success, stressing that digital literacy enhances productivity, safety, and the responsible use of AI.

The conversation about traditional education pathways versus emerging alternatives continues on the eve of GCSE results. Charlotte Ibbotson, Director of Talent at mthree, a talent and training partner, explores how emerging technologies are reshaping career trajectories. Ibbotson remarks, "For many years, A-levels and a university degree have been considered pre-requisites to entering highly skilled careers in areas like technology and banking." However, she points out that this traditional route is no longer the only path available. Apprenticeships, vocational training, and initiative-driven programmes are becoming viable avenues for entering the workforce.

Ibbotson highlights that businesses need to diversify their talent pools to fill widening skills gaps, noting that not everyone has the means to pursue higher education. "For example, not everyone has the ability, or support, to pursue a degree or take on unpaid internships to gather experience," she explains. By hiring talent from non-degree backgrounds, companies can enhance social mobility and bring fresh perspectives into their teams. At mthree, this is achieved by working with employers to identify skill needs and providing targeted training for young talents.

The narrative shifts to GCSE results, which show a promising rise in entries for STEM subjects such as maths, computer science, and statistics. Debanjali Ghosh, Technical Evangelist at ManageEngine, sheds light on the significance of these results and the journey ahead. "The rise in entries in subjects like computer science, mathematics, and statistics means more students are finishing GCSEs with the foundational skills required for our digital future," notes Ghosh.

Despite this progress, Ghosh stresses the need for continued effort to balance gender and ethnic disparities in STEM fields. She suggests promoting diverse entry routes into digital jobs, such as apprenticeships and workplace training programs. "There’s still a long way to go to ensure all students across all ethnicities, genders, and economic backgrounds are provided resources to pursue digital industries," she states. However, she remains optimistic about the growing pool of candidates set to join the digital workforce.

As students and educators navigate the evolving educational landscape, the collaboration between schools and the tech industry will be crucial. The emphasis on broadening entry routes and enhancing digital literacy marks a forward-thinking approach to bridging the skills gap and preparing the next generation for a tech-centric future.