Only 29% of Irish people believe that our schools are providing the necessary digital skills.

A survey commissioned by Ricoh Ireland, found that 50% of people say the Irish education system is worse than our European neighbours when it comes to digital technology skills and training. 

Third-level colleges and universities did better though, as 64% believe graduates have the necessary digital skills to join the workplace. 

41% said they would move to another job if it offered better digital skills development opportunities, while one-in-five worried that automation of services will put their job at risk. 

Ricoh surveyed 500 workers in Irish businesses that have over 100 employees in December 2016. That data was then analysed and collated for the basis of their report.

Digitally proficient

The report also revealed that only a third of respondents feel that Irish schools have access to the range of modern technologies that will help students to become digitally proficient.

Speaking about the report, Chas Moloney, Director of Ricoh Ireland and UK said: "It’s no exaggeration to say that digital skills are becoming as essential as reading and writing and our education bodies need to reflect that in their syllabuses.

"Children need to learn digital skills from a very young age and that must progress right through their journey in the education system.

"These are the people that are going to be driving our economy in years to come and we must ensure that they have the skills they need to do that.”

He finished by saying that "Increasingly Ireland is being viewed worldwide as a tech hub, but in order for businesses to be competitive in the digital era, they must start by making changes from within their organisation."