Press Release

e-skills UK responds to government's report on Digital Britain

17 June 2009

e-skills UK welcomes the focus on skills in the Digital Britain report published by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport and the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills .

Karen Price, CEO of e-skills UK said:

“We are pleased that the report recognises the importance of digital technologies to the UK’s long term future and acknowledges that we need to take action on skills if we are to make the most of them.

“We particularly support the intention to improve education at every level to better reflect the needs of a 21st century digital economy and better prepare young people for digital careers .

“The focus on higher level skills and the need to develop new university programmes in priority areas is welcome and essential, and we look forward to the publication of the Higher Education Framework in July.

“We also welcome the references to the importance of business leaders being able to understand and realise the strategic potential of technology, and the need for everyone to have the ‘Digital Life Skills’ they require for employability and social inclusion.

“The report includes a commitment from government to play an active role in ensuring the UK’s workforce has the skills it needs to succeed in a global, digital economy. e skills UK fully endorses this intent.

“We are delighted that the report acknowledges the vital role e-skills UK can play in delivering the aims of Digital Britain, and that it recognises and seeks to build on our achievements to date. We will continue to champion innovation in education and professional development, bringing together employers, educators and government to ensure that the UK has the technology."