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- What Digital Skills Do Employers Actually Want? Part 2
What Digital Skills Do Employers Actually Want? Part 2
The Importance of Digital Literacy for the Workplace.
Hey Parents and Teachers đ
Help Young People Develop the Digital Skills Employers Want
In todayâs fast-paced world, digital skills are more essential than ever. Employers across various industries expect young people entering the workforce to have a solid foundation in using digital devices and online tools.
You play a crucial role in supporting young people to develop these skills and make informed career decisions.
Digital skills help young people use devices like computers, tablets, and smartphones effectively, and navigate online platforms such as social media, email, and other web tools. These abilities arenât just for tech jobsâtheyâre needed in almost every industry.
By understanding what digital skills employers value, you can better guide young people towards career success.
Here are some of the basic digital skills that will set them up for success in the workplace:
đť Computer Literacy
Simply put, this means being comfortable using different types of digital devices. While students may already be familiar with computers and smartphones from school or at home, workplaces often use a variety of devices, from laptops and desktop computers to tablets and even touchscreen systems. Encouraging them to explore and practice on different types of devices will give them the flexibility they need in the job market.
đ¨ Online Communication and Collaboration
Workplaces today rely heavily on online tools for communication. Knowing how to use email and messaging platforms like Teams or Slack is crucial. Many young people may already use social media, but understanding how these tools are used in professional environments can help them collaborate effectively in teams, whether theyâre working remotely or in-person.
â Productivity with Online Tools
Word processors (like Microsoft Word), spreadsheet programs (such as Excel), and project management software (like Monday.com) are vital for nearly any job. Whether theyâre creating reports, organising data, or managing tasks, young people will need to know how to use such tools efficiently. Schools are a great place to introduce these platforms, but encouraging them to practice outside the classroom will boost their confidence.
đ Online Safety and Security
As digital natives, young people may feel comfortable navigating the internet, but understanding online security is critical. Teaching them to create strong passwords, recognise phishing scams, and use two-factor authentication can help protect their personal and professional information. Instilling good cybersecurity habits early on will serve them well in the workplace.
𤯠Research and Learning Online
Research skills extend beyond knowing how to "Google it." Encouraging students to explore other online resources like academic databases, online courses, and AI tools can help deepen their learning. Introducing them to AI-driven search engines or platforms like Bing AI can give them a more powerful way to find and analyse informationâskills highly valued in any job.
đ¨ Creating and Editing Digital Content
Many young people are already creating content for social media, but turning these creative skills into professional competencies can open up many opportunities. Using tools like Canvaâa free, easy-to-use graphic design platformâthey can create everything from presentations to videos, social media content, and more. This creativity is often a key asset in marketing, communication, and design roles.
Supporting Their Growth
Encouraging young people to develop these digital skills doesnât have to be overwhelmingâŚ
You can support their learning in simple, practical ways. Suggest they try out new tools, explore digital devices beyond their smartphones, or take online courses to boost their confidence. Many resources are free, and online tutorials can be a great starting point.
At miFuture, we regularly share free resources and short online courses through our social media channels. Feel free to check them out for ideas that might inspire your students or children!
By helping young people build a strong digital foundation, youâre setting them up for a future of success in whatever career they choose. And with your support, theyâve got this!
Get Career Curious
Check out our hot picks for building basic Digital Skills, any time, any placeâŚ
Share these with your young adults, at home or in class.
âď¸Donât miss out. We share opportunities like this every day on @miFutureHQ
You've got this đâď¸
Gem Hallett, Founder of miFuture
miFuture.co.uk | @miFutureSkills
Just a note: Weâre not paid to recommend any platforms or tools, but we think theyâre great starting points based on our experience and conversations with employers.
Thank you for reading!
I hope this has provided valuable insights to support your young people.
đŠ Keep an eye out for the next newsletter from me; Iâll share more on the importance of the skills needed for the next generation of careers.
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