Thought Leadership

How Technology in Schools Can Build Employability Skills in All Sectors

As the modern workplace continues to evolve, driven by technological advancements and shifting socio-economic trends, the demand for employability skills that transcend industries is more crucial than ever. 

Naturally, this growing need for a tech-literate workforce can be best addressed in education. Schools that adopt long-term digital strategies, alongside focused training for educators, have the power to equip students with core skills that align with the demands of a digitally-driven job market. 

Growing demand for digital skills in the workforce

In 2024, a UK government report found that 80% of job vacancies require some level of digital skills – a figure which is predicted to rise as the digital economy grows and more jobs become automated. And, while AI implementation is likely to bring yet more transformation across industries – it does also open up opportunities for more creative and challenging work.

Elsewhere, recent government initiatives have looked to accommodate this growing need for digital literacy – and the challenges of widespread societal adoption. In June 2022, The Digital Skills Strategy included measures to help improve digital education in schools, increase awareness of pathways into tech-oriented occupations and support those looking to develop advanced and lifelong digital skills.

In today’s post, we’re looking at how technology in schools can build key employability skills that are vital across all industry sectors – not simply STEM career paths as might’ve been the case two decades ago. We’ll also look to reference the insights from the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Reportfrom last year, which identifies the growing importance of digital skills and creative problem-solving in the workplace.

Digital literacy: a foundation for all sectors

At the core of employability in today’s economy is digital literacy. Digital skills are no longer limited to STEM industries; they have become essential across almost every work sector. From finance and healthcare to agriculture and retail, digital competence is a baseline requirement. Schools that embed technology into the curriculum provide students with a strong foundation that will give them a head start in any career path they choose.

As a baseline, teaching students to use basic software programs such as spreadsheets, word processors, and database management tools will instil a ground-level technical competency — while at the other end of the scale, schools are increasingly introducing students to coding and basic programming languages such as Python or JavaScript, which offer valuable skills in fields ranging from engineering to marketing.

An integral part of digital literacy involves understanding how to interact with technology safely, including cybersecurity awareness and the ethical use of data. Given that information security analysts are one of the fastest-growing roles according to the WEF report, introducing students to digital security concepts early can provide a pathway to specialised careers – and enable students to adopt best practices for using technology at an early age.

Critical thinking and problem-solving in a tech-driven world

The ability to think critically and solve complex problems is a universally valuable skillset. Technology, when used effectively, enhances students' problem-solving capabilities by offering them real-world scenarios to engage with and dissect. This process encourages analytical thinking, which is identified as one of the top skills required by employers today.

Schools can employ digital tools like simulation software or coding platforms that allow students to tackle challenges, test solutions, and iterate on their ideas. A student using a game-based coding platform like Scratch can learn to break down tasks, identify potential issues, develop strategies to resolve them — and learn the basics of coding within the same programme.  At their core, these are the same analytical processes that professionals use in a variety of fields, from software development to healthcare diagnostics.

Meanwhile, digital platforms such as 3D modelling software and virtual labs allow students to experiment with designing prototypes or conducting scientific experiments, helping them sharpen their problem-solving skills. Valuable experiences such as these can help develop both a student’s technical acumen and their ability to think creatively when faced with complex issues – a skill highly sought after in industries like engineering, environmental science, and manufacturing.

Preparing for automation and AI-driven roles

As industries adopt automation and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, schools have an opportunity to prepare students for roles that require understanding and managing these tools. AI is already transforming sectors like healthcare, finance, and logistics, and its influence is only expected to grow. 

Schools that integrate AI-related subjects, such as machine learning and data analysis, help students develop employability skills that are aligned with future job markets.

Incorporating technology into the curriculum allows students to interact with AI-driven tools and platforms, making them comfortable with systems that automate tasks, manage data, or even predict outcomes. 

Students are already becoming more familiar with emerging technologies like AI and robotics, as these tools will increasingly be used to enhance efficiency and productivity in various industries. 

With the safe and ethical adoption of AI systems, students can adapt to the changing nature of work, where certain routine tasks are automated, freeing up time to focus on higher-level problem-solving and decision-making. 

What’s more, those who develop skills in data analytics – a fast-growing role according to the WEF report – will be equipped to manage and interpret the vast amounts of data generated by these technologies.

Collaboration and communication through digital platforms

A cornerstone of the modern workplace is collaboration and communication; and a large percentage of jobs often involve a hybrid of in-person and remote work. The ability to navigate both of these scenarios is a critical skill. 

Schools can replicate these environments by introducing cloud-based collaboration tools such as Google Workspace and Microsoft Teams which are widely used in business settings.

By working on group projects through these platforms, students develop teamwork skills while learning to manage workflows digitally. They also gain experience with project management tools that are increasingly being used across industries to track progress and improve productivity.

As remote work becomes more common, the ability to communicate effectively through email, video calls, or collaborative documents has become a core competency. Schools that teach students how to present ideas through digital platforms or how to write professional emails are preparing them for a wide range of careers, from marketing and sales to human resources and education.

Nurturing creativity and adaptability with technology

Creativity is often cited as one of the key skills needed for a future career path, particularly as automation takes over routine tasks. Digital tools offer students ways to express their creativity while also learning technical skills. Graphic design software, video editing tools, and digital storytelling platforms allow students to create multimedia projects that combine visual artistry with technical adroitness.

As industries become more reliant on digital media, from advertising and marketing to entertainment and e-commerce, there will always be great stock placed in the ability to create engaging digital content. Schools that provide students with access to these creative tools will both enhance their artistic abilities and prepare them for a broad spectrum of jobs in media, digital marketing, and product design.

Technology in education also nurtures adaptability, a crucial trait in an ever-evolving modern workplace. As digital tools and platforms develop, students who are comfortable with learning new systems and tools will be more adaptable as employees.

Building resilience and self-motivation

While technology is a powerful tool for building hard skills and technical expertise, it also helps students develop essential soft skills, such as resilience, teamwork and self-motivation. These attributes are particularly relevant in the digital age, where lifelong learning and adaptability are key to long-term career success. 

Cloud-based education platforms often allow for self-paced learning, giving students some degree of control over their educational progress. This level of autonomy encourages self-directed learning, where students set goals, manage their time, and take responsibility for their progress – comparable skills needed in the modern workplace, where employees are often required to manage their tasks, deadlines, and personal development independently.

The future of technology in education

Technology in schools plays a critical role in building employability skills that are applicable across all sectors. By providing students with access to emerging digital tools at a young age, these core skills can be ingrained naturally and help bridge the gap between the classroom and the workplace.

Schools that integrate these tools into their curriculum can help students prepare for specific roles while equipping them with the adaptability and resilience needed to thrive in an unpredictable job market. If you’d like to find out more about how technology can help your school develop employable, tech-confident students, please do get in touch.