What Digital Skills Do Employers Actually Want? Part 2

Hey Parents and Teachers 👋

Help Young People Develop the Digital Skills Employers Want

In today’s 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 aren’t just for tech jobs—they’re 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:

💻 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.

📨 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 they’re working remotely or in-person.

✅ 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 they’re 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.

🔐 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.

🤯 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 information—skills highly valued in any job.

🎨 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 Canva—a free, easy-to-use graphic design platform—they 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 doesn’t have to be overwhelming…

You've got this 😎✌️

Gem Hallett, Founder of miFuture

miFuture.co.uk | @miFutureSkills

Just a note: We’re not paid to recommend any platforms or tools, but we think they’re 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.

📩 Keep an eye out for the next newsletter from me; I’ll share more on the importance of the skills needed for the next generation of careers.