Nearly 50% of jobs in construction require specific digital skills, according to recent research by Investors in People, while 24% of Brits will actively seek a new role in 2020
The Knowledge Academy analysed the latest findings from the government, who analysed over 8 million job adverts. The Knowledge Academy found that jobs in information and communications (79%) most require candidates to have specific digital skills.
Thereafter, 69% of roles in manufacturing desire specific digital competencies from prospective applicants. 49% of openings in the construction sector need job hopefuls to have certain digital skills.
On the other end, positions in human health and social work (16%) least require candidates to have definitive digital proficiencies. Slightly above, only 21% of roles in education need applicants to have specific digital capabilities.
Additionally, The Knowledge Academy surveyed 562 UK employees (who plan to change their job this year) to find out the mains barriers preventing them from developing their existing digital skills as well as learning new digital skills to significantly boost their career prospects.
From this, The Knowledge Academy found that a ‘lack of time (72%)’ is preventing a majority of employees from learning/developing valuable skills.
Other stumbling blocks stated by respondents include:
- Not knowing where to start (67%)
- Feeling too tired (64%)
- Fear of failing (59%)
- Believing learning resources/courses will be too expensive (51%)
- Believing relevant learning resources/courses will be too hard to find (45%)
- Feeling too old to learn new skills/digital skills (23%)
Top three tips for 2020
Assess the job market
Look at the required digital skills on the job specification of the roles you are interested in and then list them – this provides a focused approach towards what you should be aiming to learn.
Resources for desired skills
Search for courses/podcasts/videos/websites/books which provide detailed and concise information/guidance/learning materials/interactive exercises on desired digital skills.
Schedule time for practice
Once you have identified key learning resources, schedule time for revision/practice – don’t be too ambitious with hours and try choosing days where you are more likely to be relaxed.
