Young Australians underprepared for digital revolution

Australia’s youth are the least prepared for the digital revolution out of nine countries studied in a report from Infosys.

The report found that Australians aged 16 to 25 are the least confident in their current job skills and future career prospects, lagging behind respondents in both developed and developing countries.

While young Australians are among the most aware about the need to continuously learn new skills throughout life, only 16% have a strong interest in developing skills in data science and analytics, 18% have a strong interest in building mobile apps and 19% have a strong interest in learning how to code.

The research also shows a significant gender gap remaining, with young Australian men showing an IT competence level of 48%, compared to just 28% of young Australian women.

Young Australians are also the least likely among all respondents to want to work for a start-up instead of a large company, with just 3.8% having an interest.

“Young Australians are among the most highly aware of the increasingly pivotal role technology will play in their lives yet are falling behind in their confidence and drive to learn the necessary skills to remain relevant in the digital economy,” Infosys A/NZ Regional Head Andrew Goth said.

“Our educators, business leaders and governments need to come together to action a modernised approach. The federal government’s Innovation Statement did not come a moment too soon — Australia’s STEM skills gap is too large and we need to start closing it.”

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