Employers should not assume younger people are digitally work-ready simply because they have grown up surrounded by smartphones, social media and technology, after research suggested many still lack the essential digital skills needed for modern life.
Research from education charity NCFE's No One Left Offline campaign found that more than half of respondents aged 18 and under lacked the essential digital skills needed for modern life, despite often being perceived as "digital natives". More broadly, one in five respondents across all age groups lacked the essential digital skills needed to fully participate in today's increasingly digital world.
The findings come as digital skills become increasingly important across almost every profession. Research from FutureDotNow estimates that over 20 million working-age adults cannot complete all of the digital tasks considered essential for today's workplace, underlining the importance of helping people develop these skills throughout education and employment.
While younger people are often perceived to be naturally digitally capable because they have grown up online, the findings suggest confidence using technology doesn't always translate into the practical digital skills needed in education, employment and everyday life.
David Redden, Digital Skills Specialist at NCFE, said: "Growing up online doesn't automatically prepare young people for today's digital workplace. We often assume that because young people have grown up surrounded by smartphones, social media and technology, they'll naturally have the digital skills employers are looking for. However, this isn't always the case.
"Digital skills are a fundamental requirement for participating in education, employment and everyday life, yet many people still don't have the skills they need to get by. As technology continues to evolve, it's becoming increasingly important that we help people build those skills rather than assume they already have them.
"For employers, what's key is helping people understand their digital skills and creating the platform for them to continue developing those skills throughout their careers."
NCFE's assessment measured participants' abilities across five areas of digital capability, including using devices and handling information, creating and editing, communicating, being safe and responsible online, and transacting.
Respondents performed most strongly in digital communication, with four in five demonstrating Level 1 proficiency. This included using email, messaging platforms, video calls and sharing digital content, making it the strongest-performing area of the assessment.
However, one in four respondents were working below Level 1 when completing digital transactions, including tasks such as setting up online accounts, completing forms and managing money online.
Almost half (46%) of respondents aged 18 and under were also working below Level 1 when it came to staying safe and responsible online, including recognising suspicious links, adjusting privacy settings and identifying secure websites.
Without these skills, individuals can face barriers to employment, education and accessing everyday services. The findings also highlight the importance of employers identifying digital skills gaps early and creating opportunities for people to develop them throughout their careers.
David added: “Digital skills are a fundamental requirement for participating in society. Without them, millions risk being excluded from opportunities in education and work, and even from basic everyday activities such as booking medical appointments or managing finances online.
"The more we understand where those skills gaps exist, the better we can support people to develop them. Everyone deserves access to the digital skills needed to navigate modern life, and by working together we can help ensure no one is left behind."
Through its No One Left Offline campaign, NCFE is raising awareness of the UK's digital skills gap and encouraging more people to assess and improve their essential digital skills.
The education charity is also a signatory of the Workforce Digital Skills Charter, joining organisations from across the public, private and third sectors to help improve digital capability across the UK workforce.
