Survey of nearly 2,000 workers finds over-50s not being trained in skills needed for the digital economy
Employers must do more to train and upskill older workers and prepare them for the digital economy, according to a new survey and report from Business in the Community.
The ageing population is leading to an older talent pool, but the survey published today found that those over 50 are not receiving the training and skills development they need to succeed in the digital era, and with technology shaping the jobs of tomorrow, the results raise concerns about future skills shortages within the UK workforce.
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The survey of nearly 2,000 employees, 1,000 of whom were over 50* found that 62 per cent of workers in their 50’s had not received training in computer skills**, and women and manual workers were less likely than younger employees to have received training in other crucial skills such as project management, customer service and digital communications.
The report, ‘The Missing Link: An ageing workforce in the digital era, aims to help business address the gaps in their training and calls on employers to support older workers to be ‘digital adopters’, ensuring that development and work opportunities are accessible.
The report also finds that only 25 per cent of employees aged 50-59 and 22 per cent of those aged 60-69 felt their employer encouraged them to take up learning and development opportunities, compared to 44 per cent of 18-39 year-olds and 32 per cent of 40-49 year-olds.
Older workers were also more likely to feel that their employer did not inform them about how technology and automation would impact their job compared to younger employees
Recommendations from the report include creating a company culture of lifelong learning, developing targeted training and reskilling support for specific groups of older workers, and clearly communicating the impact of automation and technology.
Jenny Lincoln, Age Research and Policy Manager, Business in the Community, said:
“Too few older workers are getting the training and information they need to prepare for increased automation and technology in the world of work. With a rising retirement age, and fewer young people entering the workforce, it’s vital that employers invest in training older workers so that they are equipped with both the skills and confidence to make the most of the digital age. By supporting older workers to be ‘digital adopters’ employers can show they value experience, ambition and ensure that their businesses are prepared for future skills shortages.”
The full report is available via the Business in the Community website: https://age.bitc.org.uk/digital
Rebecca joined the HRreview editorial team in January 2016. After graduating from the University of Sheffield Hallam in 2013 with a BA in English Literature, Rebecca has spent five years working in print and online journalism in Manchester and London. In the past she has been part of the editorial teams at Sleeper and Dezeen and has founded her own arts collective.
- Rebecca Clarke
- Rebecca Clarke
- Rebecca Clarke
- Rebecca Clarke
