If trends over the last decade are to be extrapolated, then 2024 and the next five years, we can expect to see a significant increase in the demand for digital skills. With technology evolving at a rapid pace, businesses are looking for new employees who can keep up with the latest trends and use them to drive growth and innovation.
Those new employees could end up being the kids who take FunTech courses and tech camps, given the wide range of skills we teach. This includes coding through to AI.
A recent report published by the World Economic Forum explained how analytical thinking, creative thinking, and AI and big data are expected to be the most in-demand skills by 2027. Other skills likely to be in demand include leadership and social influence and curiosity and a desire for lifelong learning. We believe that given the rise of automation and artificial intelligence, it’s important for kids who will one day be in the job market, to have a combination of technical and soft skills to succeed in the digital age.
In this guide, we are going to list what we think are the digital skills that are likely to be demand in 2024 and beyond. They are listed in no particular order.
11 digital skills in demand in 2024 and the next five years
1. Cybersecurity skills
As cyber threats become more common place, cybersecurity skills will continue to be in high demand by companies and governments. A recent report published by Forbes Advisor UK wrote how cybersecurity was the second most in-demand digital skill in 2023, with 36% of employers seeking candidates with this skillset.
Cybersecurity skills include knowledge of firewalls, encryption, network security, and threat detection and prevention.
2. Digital marketing
All companies need digital marketing specialists, and this will only increase given how digital advertising reach is increasing year on year.
Skills can include understanding search engine optimisation (SEO), web design, online advertising platforms, and social media. It also requires an ability to measure and report back on results.
FunTech offers term-time courses that includes many aspects that will help a child understand and improve upon their digital marketing skills.
3. Artificial intelligence (AI)
Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning have been at the forefront of technology news over the last 12 months, with two in five employers reporting it as the most sought-after skill in the Forbes Advisor UK report we mentioned earlier.
AI skills include knowledge of natural language processing, machine learning algorithms, and predictive modelling. With the increasing use of AI in various industries, such as healthcare, finance, and retail, the demand for AI skills is expected to continue to grow in the coming years.
FunTech offers an AI Machine Learning course for kids aged 12 to 16.
4. Data Analysis and interpretation
In this digital world, companies now have access to more data than they ever have before, and with that, it’s possible for skilled individuals to become an extremely valuable company asset.
Companies are currently seeking professionals (and will continue to do so) who can analyse large sets of data and derive actionable insights to inform better business decisions.
5. User experience (UX) design
As companies analyse more data, it’s possible to improve the experience of customer interactions on apps, websites, and screen-based technology. Humans are very important in this too, as having people who have digital skills to designing user-friendly interfaces and optimizing that experience is a key skill.
6. Blockchain technology skills
Whilst the future value of Bitcoin is uncertain, blockchain technology is here to stay. Blockchain technology relates to a decentralized, distributed ledger that is used to record transactions across multiple computers. This means records cannot be altered retroactively without the alteration of all subsequent blocks and the consensus of the network.
Blockchain technology will be used in areas such as setting up smart contracts between a between buyer and seller. People who can build applications like this, and ensure the security of blockchain networks will be essential.
7. Project management skills
Having many skilled people across different digital disciplines, working on different teams and jobs, demands a different skillset: project management. The skills needed to run projects will include the use of project management tools and methodologies… and good people skills of course!
8. Coding and programming
Almost every single business transaction and event will include an element of technology, and despite the rise of AI, human coders and programmers will still be needed to build apps over the next decade.
FunTech offers many different coding courses for kids, some of which run during the school summer holiday as online course, or in-person classroom events.
9. Cloud computing skills
Cloud computing is a term of how many services are now delivered over the Internet, from the cloud. This can include items such as storage, processing power, networking, and databases. It means end consumers no longer need to own and maintain physical hardware and infrastructure, but instead can access resources on a pay-as-you-go basis, typically through a subscription model.
Many companies will be looking for people with the digital skills to design, build and maintain cloud-based computing services. These employees are known as cloud architects, cloud engineers, or cloud administrators.
10. Brand management skills
In the digital age, bad news travels fast. That’s why it’s important than any company has a brand manager, who undoubtedly will need a broad brush of digital skills and the ability to work and understand technology.
Problem solving will be one of their biggest strengths, but also digital skills including social media, design, copywriting, and analysis of data.
11. Quantum computing skills
And lastly, people working in quantum computing could be in demand as an emerging digital skill. Some of the in demand skills are set to be those who can develop quantum algorithms that can solve complex problems, designing and building quantum computers, or working as quantum cryptography professionals.
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