The Digital Skills Crisis: Why Your Future Depends on Functional Computer Skills

In today’s digital-first world, not knowing how to use Microsoft Office is like not knowing how to read. Sounds dramatic? It’s not. The reality is that digital skills are no longer just “nice to have”—they are the foundation of career success, workplace efficiency, and economic survival.

Yet, shocking statistics reveal a growing crisis:

• The UK is on track to lose £27.6 billion by 2030 due to a crippling digital skills shortage.

• 93% of UK employers say job applicants lack essential IT skills, making them unemployable

• Workers waste over 10 hours per month struggling with IT, costing businesses £1,600 per employee every year.

The message is clear: if you don’t have strong digital skills, you’re already falling behind.

Young people and students are being impacted by lack of essential IT skills

And this crisis isn’t just hitting business owners—it’s hitting young people and students, job seekers, career returners, and those looking to build their careers, all who risk being locked out of job opportunities before they even start.

Why basic digital skills are no longer enough

Think you’re tech-savvy just because you can browse the internet or send an email? Think again.

A 2024 report found that while 82% of UK workers have basic digital literacy, less than half can perform all 20 essential digital tasks needed for the modern workplace.

The biggest gaps?

• Microsoft Office Proficiency – Employers expect you to know Excel, Word, and PowerPoint, yet many struggle with even basic functions.

• Productivity Tools – Platforms like Microsoft Planner, Trello, and Slack are becoming essential, but most workers don’t know how to use them effectively.

• Digital Adaptability – With technology evolving rapidly, failing to keep up means you’re instantly at a disadvantage.

Bridging the gap with Smart Skills Academy

So, how can we address this digital skills gap? The answer is simple: education and training. Whether you’re a home-educated student, a job seeker, or someone looking to upskill, learning essential computer skills can open doors to better opportunities.

Our Smart Skills Academy courses are designed to make learning simple, accessible, and effective. We focus on practical, real-world applications, helping learners gain confidence in their abilities and master the skills they need for future success.

This is more than just functional computer skills—it’s about securing your future, your career, and your competitive edge.

Join us at Smart Skills Academy and take the first step toward a brighter, more digitally empowered future.

👉Join Smart Skills Academy today - www.smartskillsacademy.net 👈

📚 References:

Department for Education & FutureDotNow UK, 2021

https://futuredotnow.uk/closing-the-workplace-digital-skills-gap-analysis-of-2023-eds-work-data/ 

Learning & Work Institute / WorldSkills UK / Enginuity Report, 2021 https://learningandwork.org.uk/resources/research-and-reports/skills-for-a-digital-future/

Sharp Europe Workplace Productivity Survey, 2021

https://www.sharp.eu/news-and-events/news/tech-skills-gap-restricts-business-productivity

Source: Lloyds Bank UK Consumer Digital Index, 2024 https://www.lloydsbank.com/banking-with-us/whats-happening/consumer-digital-index.html