Technology is 'gateway to new jobs'

Roles that implement technology, including old trades and new, are set to boost the economy in the years ahead, according to a new report.The UK Commission for Employment and Skills' (UKCES) Careers of the Future report highlights a range of jobs that will provide young people, who are looking to get their foot in the employment door, with excellent career prospects.Among the 40 jobs listed by the government-backed organisation are technology-rich roles like software developers and mechanical engineers.Others included traditional careers, such as farmers, train drivers and electricians. Although these jobs might come from old trades, the report revealed that the emergence of technology and the growth of the economy are helping them to stand the test of time for the future. Sir Charlie Mayfield, chairman of the John Lewis Partnership and the UKCES, said: “Technology is changing the world of work dramatically.“The number of pathways into work is more varied too, with vocational routes now presenting young people with options to combine work and education, developing their knowledge on the job as well as off.“Given these shifts, it’s more important than ever that we use data wisely to ensure that those at the start of their career have accurate information about what a job entails and the skills needed to do it."Nurses, care workers and police officers were also listed as careers that offer great prospects to tomorrow's jobseekers.Michael Davis, chief executive of UKCES, believes that employers and teachers must establish a strong working relationship with young people that will inspire them to land a successful career in the future.Skills minister Nick Boles added that apprenticeships or studying at university are important gateways to broadening a young person's career options, enabling them to choose a path that suits them best.Virtual College provide a range of online tools and resources to further education colleges and training providers to support apprenticeship delivery. To learn more, please visit: http://vceducation.co.uk