Technology and digital transformation are changing the world of work and creating new possibilities for people and the country. But how can Wales develop the skills and talent needed to seize these opportunities? This article explores some of the initiatives and challenges in this area.
The demand for digital skills and talent
According to The World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2023, more than 85% of the businesses surveyed identified new technologies and wider digital access as the trends most likely to drive transformation in their organisation. This means that there is a growing need for people who are digitally capable and confident at work, as well as technology specialists with in-depth knowledge and expertise in roles such as software development and cyber security.
However, Wales faces a skills gap in these areas, as reported by Technology Connected, a network of technology organisations in the region. The network estimates that there are over 40,000 unfilled tech roles in Wales, and that this number could rise to 100,000 by 2030 if the current trends continue. This could have a negative impact on the economy, productivity and innovation of the country.
The role of education and training
To address this challenge, Wales needs to invest in education and training that can equip its people with the relevant skills and qualifications for the tech sector. This requires a mix of culture change, accessible training opportunities, and a variety of delivery models, all driven by strategic partnerships between private industry, public sector and academia.
One of the traditional pathways to enter the tech sector is through higher education, such as GCSEs, A-levels and undergraduate degrees. However, this pathway may not be able to keep up with the pace and diversity of technology. Therefore, Welsh universities have been adapting their curriculums to reflect the demand from industry, offering courses that are tailored to different areas of high demand such as software engineering and cyber security. Some examples are Cardiff University’s National Software Academy (NSA), the University of South Wales (USW) National Cyber Security Academy and Cardiff Metropolitan University’s School of Technologies.
Another option is degree apprenticeships, which combine a degree with work experience. These are fully funded by the Welsh Government at most of Wales’ universities, including Open University. For example, Cardiff Met University offers degree apprenticeships in its School of Technologies, in areas such as applied data science, cyber security and software engineering. These programmes allow learners to earn while they learn, gain practical skills and qualifications, and benefit from employer support and mentoring.
The role of alternative and flexible pathways
However, higher education is not the only way to enter or progress in the tech sector. There are also alternative and flexible pathways that can cater to different needs, preferences and backgrounds of learners. These include online courses, bootcamps, micro-credentials, short courses, professional certifications and lifelong learning opportunities.
For example, Technology Connected has launched Tech Degrees Wales, a platform that provides access to online courses from leading universities and tech companies around the world. These courses cover topics such as artificial intelligence, cloud computing, blockchain and data science. Learners can choose from different levels of difficulty, duration and cost, and earn certificates or credits that can be recognised by employers or universities.
Another example is Codez Academy, a social enterprise that offers coding bootcamps for people who want to learn web development skills in an intensive and immersive way. The bootcamps last for 12 weeks and are delivered online or in person at various locations across Wales. The learners are supported by mentors, tutors and industry experts, and work on real-world projects that can showcase their abilities. The bootcamps also help learners to find employment or start their own businesses in the tech sector.
The role of awareness and engagement
Finally, Wales needs to raise awareness and engagement among its people about the opportunities and benefits of working in the tech sector. This involves promoting careers in tech, inspiring young people to pursue STEM subjects, celebrating success stories and role models, and creating a culture of innovation and collaboration.
One of the initiatives that aims to do this is Wales Tech Week, an annual festival that showcases the best of Welsh tech through events, workshops, webinars, podcasts and more. The festival is organised by Technology Connected and supported by various partners from industry, academia and government. The festival aims to connect people with tech, foster learning and development, showcase innovation and excellence, and celebrate diversity and inclusion.
Another initiative is Technocamps, a programme that delivers workshops on computing topics such as robotics, app development, game design and cyber security to schools across Wales. The programme is led by Swansea University and funded by the Welsh Government. The programme aims to inspire young people to pursue STEM subjects at school or university level or consider careers in tech.
Technology can create new opportunities for Wales for its talent of tomorrow. But it also requires investment in skills development, education and training that can prepare its people for the changing world of work. Wales has many initiatives and programmes that are working towards this goal but there is still room for improvement and collaboration. By harnessing the potential of technology, Wales can become a leader and not just a follower in the global tech scene.
