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Think about a typical day for you as an educator; consider what digital skills you have used throughout it. Count them up, and consider the level of digital competence you needed to possess to complete those tasks. Now think about how important having this level of digital proficiency is for doing your job effectively.
In today’s world, we simply can’t survive without digital skills. Even outside of the school walls, as an adult, it is hard to imagine making it through any day without needing them – whether it relates to email etiquette, online safety, or digital banking. Technology has transformed how we interact, and it will continue to do so.
Now imagine the 11–14-year-olds that you teach on a daily basis.
Today’s teenagers have grown up surrounded by technology, yet NCFE’s recent ‘No-one Left Online’ report found that 50% of under-19s did not have the basic digital skills needed for modern life. Do the students you teach have the key digital skills, and do they understand how these skills can help them succeed in their future careers?
If you are looking for ways to support your students in strengthening their digital skills and understanding how these skills can open doors to future careers, from VR and software development to data analysis and cybersecurity, look no further than BT Group’s Work Ready programme.
What is Work Ready?
BT Group’s Work Ready programme aims to inspire young people and help them develop skills for a digital world through free interactive content and engaging in-person workshops and virtual boot camps. Designed to bridge the gap between teenagers’ current skills and the level of digital know-how that future employers will require of them in the tech-driven world of work, all events are guided by expert facilitators and BT Group volunteers and can easily fit within your existing curriculum.
Across its modules, Work Ready explores a range of KS3 computing topics – from developing students’ understanding of hardware, software, and safe technology use, to introducing Boolean logic and multiple creative applications. Each module also links to the PSHE curriculum, fostering active listening, resilience, and awareness of career pathways, while meeting Gatsby Benchmarks 2 and 4 for world-class careers guidance.
Since Work Ready launched in February 2025, over 4,000 students in more than 150 schools have already engaged in events that help break down the barriers to gaining the essential digital skills needed for a successful career.
So why choose Work Ready?
As a teenager, wouldn’t you be inspired about the future if given the chance to meet and interact with digital and tech experts in sectors such as AI and cybersecurity?
Educators, however, may feel more cautious, recognising that although fostering aspiration and confidence in digital skills is essential for future success, it may also place additional pressure on students who find real-world connection more challenging.
“I think it definitely boosted their confidence. I could see it [develop] from the start of the day. Towards the end of the day they were becoming confident, and much more comfortable.”
Teacher, in-person event
BT Group’s Work Ready programme recognises that technical skills alone aren’t enough for success in the workplace. The programme is designed to develop both digital and human skills, helping students learn how to connect, collaborate, and blend people and technology to thrive in their future careers.
With project-based modules, co-created with teachers, Work Ready offers students the opportunity to bolster their digital skills through innovative and practical activities across a range of areas.
Students are exposed to a range of real-life workplace experiences and scenarios that encourage them to develop essential human-centric skills, drawing on their creativity, critical thinking, and adaptability to make connections through work and play as they learn about AI, cybersecurity, ethical technology, healthcare technology, and the internet of things.
Here to help
In recent years, government reports have highlighted the importance of teaching digital skills in schools to secure the continued development of our students and thereby our country. However, fitting additional learning into an already packed curriculum is easier said than done. Work Ready is here to help.
It offers a comprehensive collection of high-quality resources alongside in-person workshops and virtual boot camps delivered by experts in their field. Students can boost their digital knowledge and human-centric skills while simultaneously getting first-hand careers inspiration from BT Group ambassadors.
The Work Ready programme doesn’t just build skills; it also strengthens students’ confidence and inspires them to consider future opportunities in digital and tech careers.
