Gen Z is growing up entirely in the digital age. Also called the iGen, this generation has never known life without the internet.
This makes them perfectly suited to take on roles in technology. Unfortunately, it’s not quite that simple. Many employers are finding that while these digital natives may have skills in using technology, they lack the training in technology necessary to meet employers’ needs. Essentially, the skills Gen Z does have, like creating content and communicating online, don’t always mean the ability to create and control new technology.
Considering that GenZ already comprises a significant portion of the workforce, technology companies are looking for ways to close the technical skills gap and increase the number of individuals with coding, development, troubleshooting, and more skills.
Why Is It So Hard to Find Talent?
Many people assume that because younger generations spend the better part of their days online and seem to have no difficulty embracing new technology, they also know how to create new technologies.
However, GenZ’s role is mostly that of a technology consumer. This means several things when it comes to developing the next generation of workers:
- Fewer young people are interested in exploring skills-based pursuits like coding because the availability of online options for everything from shopping to gaming keeps them engaged and entertained.
- Technological developments create seamless and simplified user experiences, eliminating the need to learn new skills and access informal training in technology
- Instant solutions provide a false sense of expertise; in other words, because modern technology is so easy to use, it’s common for young people to feel overly confident in their skills despite only scratching the surface.
Of course, none of this even addresses some of the issues relating to soft skills among digital natives, such as shorter attention spans, challenges related to critical thinking, and other gaps in their understanding of computing fundamentals.
Closing the Technical Skills Gap With GenZ Targeted Training in Technology
What can companies do to upskill GenZ, then?
The best approach is to meet them where they are, with technology training that relies heavily on digital tools. A growing number of younger people are choosing to forgo formal, four-year degrees and instead rely on self-study and autonomy to develop their skills and on-the-job training.
Interactive learning, particularly when enhanced with augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR), is GenZ’s preferred learning method. Other ways to effectively reach this generation when providing training in technology include:
- Implementing mobile solutions; Gen Z prioritizes being able to use their phones
- Providing flexibility
- Delivering content in short, image-heavy “bites”
- Emphasizing human connections and collaboration; many may need additional support and training in interpersonal communication and other soft skills required in the workplace
Businesses can help close the technical skills gap by partnering with educational institutions to provide mentorship and real-world skills training. The emphasis should be on helping students develop marketable skills to maintain their competitive edge.
