</Generation Reskill: 70% of employed Brits are looking to switch careers with 66% wanting to reskill with tech courses>
30th September 2021: Research completed for the IoC shows attitudes towards careers have changed significantly in the last two years across the country. In a nationwide poll of 1,512 people in full-time employment, almost 60 percent (59%) are considering leaving or would like to leave their current career for something different either as soon as possible or within the next few months.
With the ‘Big Resignation’ taking hold across the country, people are examining their options and thinking about next steps. The top reasons cited amongst those who want a career change are because the pandemic has made respondents realise ‘life is too short’, people want a career that they really enjoy, people have had more time to think and reflect, with some adding that they want a career that will allow them to work more flexibly.
Demonstrating the importance of technology skills, 54 percent of respondents are interested in upskilling in digital / tech so they can advance in their current role and 50 percent are interested in upskilling in digital / tech so they can change roles. 88 percent have some confidence that they would have a better CV or be more successful at work if they had stronger digital or tech skills. This has been, in part, fuelled by the pandemic, subsequent lockdowns and changing ways of work, with 75 percent more interested in tech or digital skills being a key part of their role following the impact of the past 18 months.
The results suggest that there is an increased importance placed on digital and tech skills, however 82 percent of respondents believe their digital skills have become outdated in some way as the sector has advanced. With 94 percent of respondents believing a job in digital or tech could be a well-paid and stable career, it’s time to offer new and improved pathways to connect people to the growing number of roles in this sector.
In line with these findings, the IoC has launched a new campaign called Shift CTRL to empower and support a larger and more diverse group of people into careers in digital through the IoC-led Skills Bootcamps.
The campaign will profile cultural voices who are positive forces in the digital world, starting with Eshita Kabra-Davies, founder of By Rotation – the world’s first peer-to-peer fashion rental app. Other partners will include Timothy Armoo, CEO and founder of Fanbytes – one of the world’s leading Influencer marketing agencies, and influential British chef, Ed Baines. Their stories of personal empowerment will be available across the IoC social channels, providing inspiration for those who want to upskill or reskill in tech.
Providing a variety of reskilling and upskilling options, 14 IoC partners are creating and delivering 26 Skills Bootcamps nationwide with a total of 40+ intake options for people to consider. Providing an accessible and flexible way to gain new tech skills and connect with employers in 16-weeks or less, the IoC-led Skills Bootcamps will connect 1,700+ people into employment as part of the Government’s Lifetime Skills Guarantee and Plan for Jobs.
These Skills Bootcamps are being provided at no cost to learners who meet the eligibility criteria and employers who wish to upskill existing employees through the Skills Bootcamps will receive a 70% discount from standard programme fees.
Sheila Flavell CBE, Chief Operating Officer of FDM Group and Chair of the IoC’s Industry Advisory Board said: “It’s clear to see that the events of the last 18 months are having a longer-term impact on the way people view their careers and the importance of digital skills.
It’s encouraging to see so many people wanting to upskill and reskill in tech and that’s why, in addition to existing routes, the IoC is providing accessible future-facing Skills Bootcamps to help people advance their skills and enter or re-enter employment.”
If you are interested in the Skills Bootcamps, please visit www.IoCSkillsBootcamps.co.uk.