Education hindering Europe’s digital future, say young people
24 April 2014
Nearly two-thirds of young people across Europe believe that the education system is not preparing them properly for the new digital world of work, according to a new report.
Thu, 24 Apr 2014Nearly two-thirds of young people across Europe believe that the education system is not preparing them properly for the new digital world of work, according to a new report.
The report by IT services, consulting and business solutions organisation Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) and ThinkYoung, a European think-tank focused on young people, found that that 63% of young people aged 18-30 across 28 European Union countries were unhappy with the current education system.
As a result, 70% said they needed further skills after leaving education.
The report also found that the vast majority (86%) are keen to move between countries for work and gain experience of multiple industries.
Key findings from the report include:
• 86% of young Europeans aged 18-30 are willing to move between countries for work, and 87% want to move between industries
• 63% believe the education system was not preparing them for the new digital world
• 70% of respondents feel they will have to acquire further digital skills post-education
• 73% of young Europeans believe technology will have a positive impact on the economy and bring about greater transparency
Neelie Kroes, vice-president of the European Commission and Commissioner for the Digital Agenda, says: “The digital revolution will affect and benefit every European – but it is the younger people who will most shape it, and be shaped by it. In order to better meet the needs of coming generations it is incumbent on us as employers, educators and regulators to understand their expectations of what is here termed the ‘digital enterprise’.”
N Chandrasekaran, chief executive officer and managing director, TCS, says: “Over 90m Europeans who comprise Generation Y will enable the next generation of digital enterprises, but we must first enable them to do so with the right digital skills. Investment in crucial disciplines such as science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) is vital for Europe’s future competitiveness.”
Andrea Gerosa, chief thinker, founder and member of the board at ThinkYoung, says: “Young people across Europe share a positive outlook towards technology and the opportunities it will create for them in the future workplace.”
The report by IT services, consulting and business solutions organisation Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) and ThinkYoung, a European think-tank focused on young people, found that that 63% of young people aged 18-30 across 28 European Union countries were unhappy with the current education system.
As a result, 70% said they needed further skills after leaving education.
The report also found that the vast majority (86%) are keen to move between countries for work and gain experience of multiple industries.
Key findings from the report include:
• 86% of young Europeans aged 18-30 are willing to move between countries for work, and 87% want to move between industries
• 63% believe the education system was not preparing them for the new digital world
• 70% of respondents feel they will have to acquire further digital skills post-education
• 73% of young Europeans believe technology will have a positive impact on the economy and bring about greater transparency
Neelie Kroes, vice-president of the European Commission and Commissioner for the Digital Agenda, says: “The digital revolution will affect and benefit every European – but it is the younger people who will most shape it, and be shaped by it. In order to better meet the needs of coming generations it is incumbent on us as employers, educators and regulators to understand their expectations of what is here termed the ‘digital enterprise’.”
N Chandrasekaran, chief executive officer and managing director, TCS, says: “Over 90m Europeans who comprise Generation Y will enable the next generation of digital enterprises, but we must first enable them to do so with the right digital skills. Investment in crucial disciplines such as science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) is vital for Europe’s future competitiveness.”
Andrea Gerosa, chief thinker, founder and member of the board at ThinkYoung, says: “Young people across Europe share a positive outlook towards technology and the opportunities it will create for them in the future workplace.”
