Lesson 3 Importance of digital skills in today’s society

“A lack of digital skills can have a profound effect on people’s general life chances and employability. Around 40% of the European Union (EU) population have an insufficient level of digital skills — of which 22% have none at all. These are often older citizens, less educated young people, lower income families and migrants. What is more, 32% of the EU workforce have insufficient digital skills, with 13% assessed as having none at all. It should also be noted that across the EU, 42% of citizens with no computer skills are inactive in the labour market”(The European Digital Competence Framework for Citizens). In an era where technology is changing rapidly, developing and maintaining one’s digital skills is essential to keep up with the times.

Digital competence and skills are:

• Increasingly required in many jobs (no matter the sector) and also they help to differentiate from the competition and gain a competitive advantage;
• Useful for daily life: for example, they can help you manage your time better, communicate with others more efficiently and carry out online activities, such as shopping or booking travel;
• An essential element for success in an increasingly digital world and implementing and maintaining them is really necessary under every aspect.