The biggest barrier to successful digital transformation is a lack of training

Jason Fowler, HR Director, Fujitsu UK & Ireland, talks about how businesses, government and educational institutions must funnel more efforts into investing in the UK workforce if we are to support the future digital economy:

“The new digital world has disrupted entire markets with new technologies transforming the way we live and work, so it’s no surprise business leaders are feeling the pressure to digitally transform. But, with the skills gap costing our economy £63 billion a year, there is an urgent need to funnel more efforts into investing in the UK workforce. If we don’t, there is a risk we won’t be able to keep up with the pace of change that is taking place.

“To sustain the competitiveness of the technology sector and to drive forward the UK economy, businesses, government and educational institutions need to come together to train and educate the current workforce and the next generation of workers so they are utilising new technologies and are ready for the jobs of tomorrow. Whether this is retraining programmes, apprenticeships, or public-private partnerships, there are many exciting and innovative pathways to ensure that the UK is digitally savvy.

“If we want to continue to see the UK as a ‘digital first’ nation we must ensure we are investing in all talent. From the current workforce to those at the very beginning of the journey, by developing the right skills we will be able to support the future digital economy.”