The digital life of the average UK teen includes six digital devices and access to 192 GB of storage, while two-thirds are creating and actively sharing videos online, according to a Logicalis UK report, conducted by Youngbods.

This connected generation consider Maths, English, Science and ICT the four most essential subjects to study, and IT and Science top career choices. The findings also demonstrate a demand for change in the workplace of the future.

Gerry Carroll, author of the report at Logicalis UK, comments: “The statistics show a highly connected, commercially aware generation that is pursuing careers in STEM industries, and whose instinctive ICT skills could bring innovation and greater productivity to the workplace. This generation has the potential to deliver a digital dividend; an economic return on their ICT skills. But it won’t happen by itself. The challenge for Government, the education system and employers is to sustain this generation’s interest in the professions and industries that give Britain its competitive edge.”

They are connected, cloud-ready, creators of digital content

• Some 84 per cent own a smartphone;
• Over 26 per cent claim to have more than 512 GB of storage, with 33 per cent using cloud services;
• An astonishing 46 per cent said they couldn’t live without their smartphone, only four per cent without TV;
•  Only one in ten boys have coded, but a further one in three teens would like the opportunity too; and
• Bill Gates was selected as top role model by 46 per cent of UK teens, over leading figures from business, sport, IT, literature and TV.

STEM subjects, university and science careers rule, but economic fears remain

• Over half said the state of the UK economy has already influenced education and career choices, with 74 per cent believing it will negatively impact their career prospects;
• The top career choices for UK teens are:  Science and Research, Teaching and Education, Healthcare, and IT and Technology;
• The gender gap remains for IT and Technology careers, selected by 31 per cent of boys and only six per cent of girls; and
• Although 70 per cent are planning to go to university, only seven per cent to take an apprenticeship.

Connected teens say UK plc needs to evolve to get ready for them

• Only four in ten plan to work remotely and flexibly when they enter work. Some 25 per cent don’t think the UK’s broadband infrastructure is good enough for this yet;
• Shockingly, 89 per cent expect their employers to fund the digital devices they need for work, while 51 per cent expect to choose these devices;
• Three quarters expect UK plc to update devices and technologies to support their IT habits and needs;
• The majority want to engage with government services online when they finish school; and
• Teens rate digital more important than physical infrastructure for their future, with High Speed Broadband rated more important than High Speed Railway (HS2).

The report provides a unique insight for universities, employers and Government into how this generation will influence our economy and change the workplace. Carroll adds: “The Realtime Generation is expecting to use the technologies and devices to which they’re accustomed, throughout their education and into their careers. A student body or workforce that uses its digital know-how to improve performance or increase productivity is a highly attractive proposition. The nation will only benefit from this opportunity, however, if the infrastructure and working practices are in place to accommodate this generation’s expectations.”

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By Shané Schutte

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