Lack of Data Skills May Begin Crippling Part of UK's Workforce

The internet has revolutionized the way business is done in the UK and throughout the world.

20:27 29 November 2018

Making data skills increasingly important to the point that the lack of it could cost people jobs.

 

Employability is something to pay attention to, especially as young people begin entering the workforce. For quite some time, the only thing people had to worry about was making sure they had the skills needed to get the job one was applying for, but this data-centric revolution is changing that. It would be relatively difficult to find jobs that do not require some data skills, which is only going to get worse as time moves on.

How Important are Data Skills for the Young Workforce?

Data skills are becoming a major part of business because not only does digital data store information from customers, but it also helps store inventory amongst other things. Information gathered from data is analyzed using all sorts of programs that helps businesses do things like improve in-house processes or optimize customer service. These skills might have required a professional before but are now being performed using IT skills.

 

The reason that data skills are becoming so important is because it really takes business to a new level, one that gives entrepreneurs an edge. It should be pointed out that the majority of young business owners say that data skills are vital for their business. This means that the workforce needs to meet those needs, which seems to be becoming quite universal.

 

Sure, there is a group of older business owners who do not seem to care too much about data-related skills. Those within today's workforce may still find good jobs at companies that do not care about data, but that group of businesses is slowly disappearing. The perks of relying on data gives business owners a better understanding of their customers and business, which they can use to make better decisions.

How is UK's Workforce Taking This Change Seriously?

At some point, most employers will need employees to understand data well, which is driving a generation of people to school to take IT courses.

 

Older generations that may have missed the opportunity the first time around may go back to receive this type of education, which can be easily accessible online. Finding a way to receive a degree in IT with a focus on data skills can definitely help citizens become more hirable in today's changing environment, but there are other things to consider.

 

The UK is home to some of the world's biggest DataDrives or hackathons, which is something that some people interested in advancing their tech skills should think about attending. These are large events that welcome people of varying skills to help with programming amongst many other tasks.

 

The reason individuals who do not have much experience in data science or programming should attend is because they will get the opportunity to work with people who are skilled in these areas. These events also allow people to create connections with people who may be helpful at some point.

 

It should be pointed out that these events are relatively accessible, which makes it easier for those in the workforce to increase their skills. Sure, taking a trip to an event with people who may be more skilled could sound challenging, but that is exactly how the brain can expand its knowledge.

 

Another tool that people within today's workforce can use to make themselves more employable is the workplace itself. The key here is finding a workplace that promotes professional development. An employee who wants to advance his or her skills will need to make sure that his or her possible employer is going to offer growth opportunities. This will allow this employee to learn more data skills and get paid at the same time.

 

Individuals within today's workforce who are honest enough to accept this new trend can begin taking steps to ensure that they are not left behind as the workplace continues to move forward. Many people are going to be left behind as things continue to change but, as regrettable as it may be, that is the nature of all evolutionary moments in human history.