Call for action to boost digital skills of millions of Brits

A lack of essential digital skills is preventing 11 million adults from entering modern jobs, with an urgent need for the UK to step up basic training in AI, automation and remote collaboration tools and open up the new world of work to everyone.

That is the rallying cry from Crispin Read, CEO and founder The Coders Guild, a company that specialises in coding apprenticeships and digital skills training,

Read believes that as technology reshapes the workplace, many UK adults want to change careers – but feel unprepared and lack confidence in entering a digital-first economy.

According to a 2023 report from Lloyds and Aviva, over half (53%) of UK adults do not have the essential digital skills for work, while 62% of those considering a career change don’t know what steps to take.

Meanwhile, a 2023 McKinsey report found that AI and automation could affect up to 30% of tasks across most occupations by 2030, with project management and digital tool fluency among the most in-demand skillsets.

To address this, The Coders Guild is launching its new Summer Skills Bootcamp: Project Management with AI and Digital Tools – a 6-week training programme designed to remove the key barriers adults face when reskilling or switching careers.

Designed for career changers, returners and jobseekers, the programme provides a clear, supported path into modern, flexible, and in-demand work. It is claimed to be especially suited to women and caregivers seeking practical, inclusive training options that fit around family life and school holidays.

Read warns that without essential digital skills training, career changers cannot possibly move into more modern, flexible and in-demand work.

Training that focuses on core skills for today’s workplace – such as AI, automation, remote collaboration tools like Slack and Kanban, and foundational digital literacy – can be critical in helping workers pivot.

Equally important are transferable project and people management skills that apply across industries. Access to real-world tasks and case studies provides valuable experience to draw on in interviews. Structured careers support, including job clubs, one-to-one guidance from qualified advisers, CV reviews and employer engagement through webinars and events, plays a key role in improving job outcomes.

Read commented: “By focusing on the essential digital skills required for today’s workplace, participants gain the confidence and competence needed to succeed in any modern job. Project management skills are in demand across almost every industry, from construction to care work to retail and technology. By combining project management skills with training in AI and digital tools, learners will have a genuine edge that sets them up for life.

“These are the skills that make a difference – not just in getting a job, but making a real impact when they get there. Digital careers shouldn’t be reserved for the few. We’re here to open doors and help people walk through them – prepared, confident, and supported.”