The research, which surveyed 1,000 young people between the ages of 18 and 34 on their perceptions of digital skills, also revealed that half of respondents [54%] felt that obtaining experience within a digital sector, such as coding or digital marketing, would improve their job opportunities, where a further 44% felt that an understanding of digital sectors would future proof their job roles.

The survey follows recent reports that the digital skills gap could cost the UK £141 billion in GDP growth, as more and more professionals struggle to keep pace with the advancing technological landscape.

On discussing the Climb Academy’s recent findings, Wright said: “Despite the continued advances in technology and exponential growth in digital industries, it’s clear that we as society simply cannot keep pace. What’s most interesting about the survey results, however, is that this skills gap evidently extends to young professionals as well, where the majority have confirmed they don’t feel there is enough information or support on the different career paths available through digital.

“This is somewhat alarming, but with the right careers guidance and training platforms and opportunities in place, it can be rectified.”

Other take outs from the research include:

 Over one third [38%] of young professionals spend in excess of 4 hours per day on their mobile device.
 Half of respondents [53%] selected Facebook as their preferred social media channel, closely followed by Instagram [37%].
 A massive 83% of respondents felt that professionals of all ages would benefit from learning digital skills, including digital marketing and coding.
 A quarter of young professionals learn best by watching video content

Wright finished: “Digital industries offer a wealth of exciting career paths for young professionals, ranging from web development to cyber security. The educational sector needs to place as much importance on the promoting the benefits of these roles as they do vocational careers.”

“Without a growth in digitally skilled professionals, very few members of society are going to be able to grasp and understand the tech landscape as it continues to develop and evolve, where cyber security breaches will become a paramount concern.”

Launched in Spring 2018, the Climb Academy has been developed in partnership with leading edtech firm, e-Careers and digital marketing professionals from Climb Online, the digital marketing agency owned in partnership between Mark Wright and Lord Sugar.

Its entry level course provides the opportunity for professionals to enter the digital marketing sector or for existing professionals to enhance their digital skillset.