According to research from IBM, most people feel they lack the qualifications needed to pursue science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) careers.
The global survey found that 61% of the 14,000 people asked said they did not have an appropriate academic degree for STEM jobs, and 60% believed it would cost too much to acquire digital skills for STEM jobs.
UK statistics show two-thirds of job seekers and 75% of those considering a career change do not think they are qualified for a STEM career.
Justina Nixon-Sentill, IBM’s Chief Impact Officer, said: “Technology training can have a transformative impact on a person’s life. There are many misconceptions about what it takes to build a productive and profitable career in today’s fast-paced workplace.
“This is why we must raise awareness of the expanding role of science and technology that exists across industries. Together with our IBM SkillsBuild partners, we’re highlighting the many paths that exist for under-prepared communities to pursue a future in technology.”
There is still a skills gap in the UK tech industry, with access to the right talent many digital leaders say Projects are on track for completion.
But there are many reasons why the tech pipeline is leaky – for example, too many young people think it is “Too Late” to Pursue Their Technical Careers Due to lack of training.
More than 60% of students and career changers worldwide are looking for a new job in the next year and 80% will spend the next two years developing their skills, with 90% saying they will return to online courses. According to an IBM survey, do so.
Over 85% of people who have learned digital skills say it has helped them in their careers and many want to gain more digital skills.
In the UK, half of students asked if they are interested in working in a STEM role, but 40% say they don’t know how to go about developing the professional or technical skills to qualify for a job in STEM.
Interest in STEM jobs is high, with half of those asked saying they would consider STEM-related roles, but many lack an understanding of what STEM roles are or what they involve.
there Longstanding misconceptions about tech careersThe types of people who work in them, what they involve, or how to pursue them – 64% of those looking for a new career aren’t aware of the ins and outs of STEM jobs, many don’t know what roles are involved in STEM careers in a STEM Counts as work.
More than 60% of people asked said they weren’t sure they could find a STEM role that would pay enough, but 66% thought STEM roles would grow over the next 10 years.
UK students also have a better understanding of STEM roles – more than 70% think the number of STEM jobs will increase over the next 10 years.
IBM has worked with 45 global education partners to help address some of the barriers surrounding STEM careers and provide the skills needed for such roles.