You’ve probably heard the phrase “digital skills” thrown around a lot lately. In job ads. In the news. Maybe even from a friend who just landed a role in tech.
But what does it actually mean? And more importantly, why does it matter for you?
Let’s break it down.
So, what are digital skills?
Digital skills are the abilities that let you work confidently with technology. That’s the simple version.
But the full picture is broader than most people think. Digital skills aren’t just about coding. They’re not just for software engineers or data scientists. They show up in almost every job, in every industry, at every level.
At their most basic level, digital skills include things like using email, navigating software, and working with spreadsheets. But in 2026, that’s just the starting point.
Today, digital skills span a much wider range, including:
- Data and analytics. Being able to read, interpret and use data to make decisions and tell stories. You don’t need to be a mathematician. You need to understand what the numbers are telling you.
- Coding and software development. Automating tasks, writing scripts and building applications. Once seen as niche, now one of the most in-demand skill sets in the UK.
- Cybersecurity. Protecting systems and data from threats. With organisations under constant attack, this is a field that isn’t slowing down.
- AI and machine learning. Understanding how artificial intelligence works, how to use it responsibly, and how to apply it in a business context. This one is moving fast.
- Digital project management. Running tech projects, working in agile teams, keeping things on track. Businesses need people who can make tech happen, not just build it.
- Cloud and infrastructure. The backbone of how modern businesses operate. Knowing your way around cloud platforms is fast becoming a baseline expectation.
None of these are out of reach. All of them can be learned.
Why do they matter so much right now?
Because the world of work is changing at a pace that’s hard to keep up with.
UK companies are currently recruiting for somewhere between 178,000 and 234,000 roles that require hard data and digital skills. Nearly half of employers are struggling to fill them. The skills simply aren’t there.
And the cost of that gap isn’t abstract. The AI skills shortage alone is estimated to cost the UK economy over £60 billion a year in lost productivity. That’s not a distant problem. It’s happening now.
At the same time, over half of the UK workforce has no experience with data analysis tools. And only one in five workers engages in any formal workplace learning. The pace of change is outrunning the pace of training.
For individuals, that creates real risk. Roles that didn’t require digital skills five years ago increasingly do now. If you’re not keeping up, you’re being left behind, and not because you’re not capable. Because no one gave you the opportunity.
This isn’t just about getting a job
Yes, digital skills open doors. They lead to better salaries, stronger job security, and more interesting work.
But it’s bigger than that.
In 2026, digital literacy is fast becoming the equivalent of being able to read and write. It’s the baseline for participating fully in a modern economy. For understanding the tools that shape your life. For having a voice in the conversations that matter.
The good news? You don’t have to figure this out alone.
Where to start
The most common thing we hear from people is this: “I don’t know where to begin.”
That’s exactly where we come in.
At La Fosse Academy, we work with people from all kinds of backgrounds. Career changers. Recent graduates. People who’ve never worked in tech before. We find brilliant people, train them in real, in-demand skills, and help them land roles where they can make a genuine impact.
Our programmes cover data, software development, cybersecurity, AI, and more. They’re built around what employers actually need, not what looks good on a brochure.
You don’t need to have a degree in computer science. You don’t need to already know how to code. You need drive, curiosity, and the willingness to learn.
The rest? That’s what we’re here for.
A note on sources: Employer demand and skills gap statistics are drawn from La Fosse’s own market research and publicly available data from the Learning and Work Institute (2025), IBM Insights (2024-2025), and Multiverse (2024-2025). The £60 billion productivity figure refers to the estimated annual cost of the AI skills gap to the UK economy.