Three-quarters of youngsters in Northern Ireland want to work in tech, survey finds
Northern Ireland could become the “Silicon Valley of the UK” as three quarters of youngsters there want to work in tech, research has found.
A poll, of 1,000 teenagers aged 13-19, found this is lower in London (69 per cent), the West Midlands (63 per cent) and the North East (63 per cent).
With the most popular tech careers being app development, cyber security and creating AI for social.
But 65 per cent of all respondents believe their background will affect how they progress in the industry.
While 39 per cent believe there are too few resources for young people to make a change in society through technology.
The research was commissioned by Samsung Electronics UK, to mark the launch of its Solve For Tomorrow competition, which aims to support young British innovators.
Soohyun Jessie Park, from the electronics giant said: “Innovation is for everyone and no young person should ever feel discouraged to pursue a good idea.
“This year, we’re really focusing on the idea that innovation is for everyone, no matter of background.
“Our research perfectly supports this – showing the UK is full of young people with confidence and potential, but they still feel like they don’t have the support they need to make a difference through tech.”
As many as 40 per cent of young people polled are regularly learning tech-based skills outside of their current education in a bid to stay ahead of the curve.
While 39 per cent believe they have what it takes to create the next best tech invention.
But 40 per cent are put off by the cost of education or training in tech, and 36 per cent worry they haven’t got enough practical experience.
More than three in 10 (31 per cent) also fear they have a lack of contacts or mentors in the industry, according to the OnePoll.com figures.
Future technology and innovation hot spots in England include the West Midlands, with 63 per cent of young people surveyed aspiring to work in the tech industry.
More than a tenth (11 per cent) polled in the West Midlands have investigated registering a patent for an idea, and almost a quarter (23 per cent) have thought of a way technology could help their local area.
Rapper and Entrepreneur Krept, part of the Solve for Tomorrow launch panel, said: “As an entrepreneur, I’ve been in the position where you have an idea but you don’t know how to bring it to life.
“It’s a struggle everyone faces, but unfortunately it’s easier for some to get around that than others.
“Programmes like Solve for Tomorrow are great – they’re getting young people involved, engaging them on their terms, and bringing something to life, I’m thrilled to be involved.”