Next generation workforce expect heavy IT investment

Young internet users are becoming more security savvy but have high technological expectations when it comes to university and the work environment according to research commissioned by integrator Logicalis.

Logicalis’ research, which polled 1,000 UK youngsters between the ages of 13 and 17, claimed that 78 per cent of respondents (known as the Realtime Generation) are not posting personal information on social networking sites, are increasingly concerned about their security or have stopped using them altogether. A further 45 per cent questioned admitted that social networking was less important to them and they were using it less frequently.

However Logicalis warned the findings could signal an expensive time ahead for businesses and universities as future employees and students expect and demand the availability of mobile gadgets and the latest social technologies in order to best communicate, study and work. Of the 1,000 respondents, 46 per cent will expect their university to provide a PC for the duration of their undergraduate tenure. Logicalis estimates this could cost as much as £150m per annum.

Chris Gabriel, marketing director at Logicalis, said: “Just as UK plc is bracing itself for the financial impact of post-graduates that expect the latest and greatest gadgets and mobile access technologies, so should universities.”

He added: “Universities that want to lure the best students will need to invest heavily to implement an IT infrastructure that will meet the expectations of this group, and maintain their competitive edge in the race for securing higher student intake. To meet this £150m price tag, it is inevitable that universities will be looking to the government, UK plc, and possibly students, to put their hands in their pockets.”

Of concern to the UK economy though, is that while the increasingly tech-savvy Realtime Generation is keen to consume new technologies and communication methods, it shows little interest in developing the next generation of innovative gadgets and services. Just 11 per cent of respondents are planning to study sciences, compared to 31 per cent opting for media courses. However, in contrast, but encouragingly, when asked about their career aspirations, 47 per cent would consider a profession in IT.

Tom Kelly, managing director of Logicalis, said: “This survey is deliberately targeted at an age group that is being asked to choose its education and career path. While this science statistic should worry UK plc, and the governments of today and tomorrow, the message is clear; if we can educate them on the correlation between science and the gadgets they can’t live without, and spark their interest before choosing their GCSE options, we can influence the future of British industry.”

Kelly added: “Educators and private industry need to collaborate closely on how sciences are taught. Businesses worldwide are increasingly dependent upon technology to create new markets and achieve better margins. Technology is a lucrative, thriving career option that seeks to drive down operational costs and increase innovation. In a climate whereby the future careers of the Realtime Generation could be impacted by the credit crunch, this is an opportune moment for the science and technology industry to reach out to this digital native workforce.”