Here’s the text translated into American English:
The VASS Foundation, in collaboration with the Autonomous University of Madrid Foundation, has presented its annual report on Employability and Digital Talent 2024, which offers a detailed analysis of the state of digital talent in Spain and the perception of universities regarding the skills of young people in this sector.
The study highlights a significant increase in interest in digital careers, with a total of 78,397 students enrolled in computer-related studies during the 2023-2024 academic year. This number represents a 61% increase compared to 2016. This growth is also reflected in the number of educational programs, which has risen by 46%, reaching a total of 418 degrees. Attractive salaries and the high employability of professionals in Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) are factors driving this trend, with average remuneration exceeding that of other sectors by 49.1%.
Antonio Rueda, Director of the VASS Foundation, emphasizes the need for active involvement from educators in training both technical skills and soft skills. He highlights the need for closer collaboration between universities and businesses to bridge the gap between the skills young people acquire and the actual demands of the labor market.
The report also points out the discrepancy between the skills that graduates possess and the demands of the sector. In 2023, 13.4% of Spanish companies reported difficulties in hiring ICT specialists, surpassing countries like France and Germany. This situation poses a challenge, as current training does not fully align with the skills required in areas such as artificial intelligence, software development, and cybersecurity.
Furthermore, the study underscores the growing importance of soft skills in the digital realm. Companies demand professionals who can adapt, think critically, work as a team, and act with ethical responsibility. The VASS Foundation asserts that, in addition to mastering technical skills, it is essential for students to develop these behavioral competencies to achieve effective integration in an ever-evolving work environment.
The impact of artificial intelligence on education and the labor market is also a central theme of the report. The integration of AI into academic programs is beginning to take center stage, not only as a technical tool but also as an area that requires critical ethical understanding. Educators emphasize the importance of preparing students to face the social implications of using this technology.
In conclusion, the report highlights the urgency of effective collaboration between universities and businesses to reduce the talent gap and ensure training is aligned with the demands of the digital market. A successful synergy is crucial to developing the necessary skill levels to face current challenges.
To address these issues, a webinar titled “Universities and Businesses: A Shared Challenge to Foster Digital Talent in the New Generation” will take place on June 17, where experts from various fields will discuss employability and digital talent in Spain.
Source: MiMub in Spanish
