New research has shown that less than a quarter (24%) of young people are positive about securing a technology job when they finish education.
This is despite almost half (42%) believing there will be more jobs in tech because of COVID-19.
Accenture surveyed 1,000 UK-based 16-21-year-olds on their career aspirations as they finish education for the summer and consider their long-term options.
The research also found that young people are turning to digital channels for career advice.
Social media is seen as their top influence (31%), ahead of parents (29%) and teachers (24%).
Respondents also said they would most likely choose jobs in AI, data analytics, and cybersecurity.
More than a quarter (27%) of students gain their understanding of these technologies from TV and film, rather than school (19%).
Vacancies for job roles in the UK’s tech sector have jumped 36% since June 2020 according to research by Tech Nation and the government’s Digital Economy Council.
Over 90,297 tech jobs were advertised in the second week of August.
Shaheen Sayed, Accenture’s Technology lead in the UK & Ireland, said: “If the digital native generation is not turning to technology as a career option, then we have a huge pipeline problem for the technology profession.
“Tech talent will be needed in all industries, not just in start-ups, and we cannot afford a digital skills deficit.”
