Collective action needed from government, charities, and employers to ensure all young people receive essential IT training   Data from Ofqual shows a steep decline in GCSE and A-level students studying ICT or Computing qualifications, down by 40% between 2015 – 2020. Education charity Engineering Development Trust (EDT) and global cybersecurity leader RSA Security warn that if this downward trend continues, the UK IT industry and wider economy will suffer. Not only will it exacerbate the digital skills gap facing UK businesses, young people will also be leaving education without the IT knowledge and skills needed to thrive in our increasingly digital society.

Some young people in Blackpool have taken part in a unique project, aimed at helping youngsters understand the opportunities for careers in the Science, Engineering and Technology industries.