Get our best content directly in your inbox
Sign up

Digital skills: tackling the food industry’s changing landscape 

2 min read
contributor: Jack Simpson
Share:
cartoon man and robot sitting on top of sand timer

Access to the digital world is at the fingertips of more young people than ever before. Digital skills will become increasingly important for the success of food companies moving forward.

As we know, countless food companies have had to take the leap online to survive the effects of the pandemic. The demand for digital skills in the industry is quickly outweighing the supply. Companies looking for digitally minded employees should look to the emerging younger generation of students and graduates. 

What’s happened to IT?

Despite this, 40% fewer students are taking IT subjects for GCSE since 2015. What is contributing to students’ declining interest in digital subjects?

Firstly, a lack of clarity surrounding clearly defined job opportunities. Organisations need to raise awareness of the new age of exciting of digital roles out there in order to inspire young people and allow them to see the career prospects in the digital world.

So many of the role models young people are exposed to online are Instagram influencers, fashion icons, bloggers, YouTubers and the list goes on. Those who are less obvious are the people who are producing engaging content behind the scenes. People like video editors, digital marketers, graphic designers and data analysts, who aren’t in the limelight in the digital world.

Digital skills are key to success

Seventy-six percent of firms think a lack of digital skills would hit their profitability. For Gen Z, being digitally competent with computers, smart phones, games and social media is almost seen as a necessity or expectation. Their basic skillsets have the potential to be mastered and turned into a profession that can benefit the development of the food industry.

How can the food industry play its part in ensuring a sustainable future for itself?

In order to tackle the arising digital skills requirement, companies will need to shift their priorities towards attracting and training young people who have basic digital skills already.

Could organisations do more to spread awareness about the revolutionary digital jobs that are available in order to inspire a generation to follow a digital career path?

Share:

Related content