Young New Zealanders must not be left behind in acquiring digital literacy skills, says BusinessNZ.

Commenting on the Education & Science Select Committee’s Inquiry into 21st century learning environments and digital literacy, BusinessNZ Chief Executive Phil O’Reilly said digital capability is a key issue for jobs and the economy.

 “Recognising that the school system has to do more to ensure that all students have the digital literacy skills needed to succeed, and investigating the changes required to ensure more young people become digitally competent are valuable outcomes of this inquiry,” Mr O’Reilly said.

 “Digital literacy skills, along with numeracy, literacy, problem solving, collaboration, and critical thinking skills are fundamental building blocks for employment.

“ICT skills are in demand and provide people with these skills with good careers. The development of ICT and science education requires particular attention to ensure that our future workforce is able to meet the needs of competitive businesses.

“It is critical that action is taken and that there is focus on those recommendations that will ensure that our future workforce has the skills to compete in the global economy.

“The Committee’s recommendations in this important area show a welcome measure of cross-party support,” Mr O’Reilly said.