[May 20, 2013] Young people mustn't miss out on the online training bonanza says leading ICT entrepreneur Tweet May 20, 2013 (M2 PRESSWIRE via COMTEX) -- The 15% of adults in the UK who have never accessed the internet are being targeted by Go ON UK to learn online skills but according to Scott Fletcher - founder and chairman of the ANS Group - it is vital that youngsters aren't overlooked in government's attempts to make Britain the 'world's most digitally skilled nation'. "It is easy to assume that young people taught ICT (Internet and Communication Technologies) at school are fully abreast of digital technology but I don't believe that is the case," said Mr Fletcher. "ICT education in our schools is based around teaching children to be comfortable with using software whereas resource needs to be focussed should be instilling a basic understanding of computer literacy and coding." "We find time and time again that young people aren't leaving school with the skills they need to begin a career in a tech industry," he said. "Britain produces 23,000 science graduates every year but India produces twice as many and China twice as many again." The Big Lottery Fund (BIG) has pledged 15m to Go ON UK and the charity has the support of Prime Minister David Cameron who has called on business to support the scheme. Mr Cameron said: "If we are to succeed in the global race, it is vital that we ensure our people and businesses recognise the opportunities that the web offers and have world-class digital skills. That is why this government is supporting Go ON's ambition to make the UK the world's most digitally skilled nation." According to figures from the Office of National Statistics, 15% of adults in the UK have never accessed the internet and 16 million more individuals lack even basic web skills. Businesses are currently devising schemes and they will be able to apply for BIG funding this autumn. The funding will not be for hardware or developing apps but will be focused on one-to-one training. Graham Walker of Go ON UK said: "Getting our message out there is a peer-to-peer thing. The internet is for the whole population, not just for geeks - it empowers you to be better informed." "I support all campaigns that spread online awareness but I do believe that youngsters can get overlooked when funding is being allocated. The internet has democratised business opportunities and it is our responsibility to see that the UK's youngsters don't get left behind," Mr Fletcher said. "There is very little science or ICT representation within our current leadership," he said. "Of 650 MP's in the House of Commons only thirty have science qualifications. The earlier in their lives that we can give children a basic knowledge of computing the greater enterprise opportunities we are opening up for them." --ENDS-- NOTES FOR EDITORS:- ABOUT SCOTT FLETCHER: Scott Fletcher is one of the country's leading entrepreneurs, heading up companies with a total valuation in excess of 75m. Scott founded what is now his largest business, ANS Group, from his back bedroom in 1996 at the young age of 22. Scott has overseen the growth of ANS since its inception, including floating on PLUS markets. The company now has a turnover of 50m and healthy net profit margins of approximately 10%. Scott is also Chairman and lead investor in Gdel Technologies. Scott has been named Entrepreneur of the Year for the North West at the National Business Awards, IOD Young Director of the Year and The PLUS Markets Chairman of the Year. Scott's has served on the board of FC United of Manchester and the Manchester Academy, and currently sits on the Greater Manchester Local Enterprise Partnership. He has also donated significant sums of money to The Prince's Trust, Caudwell Children, The Manchester Children's Hospital and recently completed the gruelling Coast to Coast challenge. Scott is also often turned to for comment by the media and is becoming known for his outspoken views on IT and business policies. ((M2 Communications disclaims all liability for information provided within M2 PressWIRE. Data supplied by named party/parties. Further information on M2 PressWIRE can be obtained at http://www.presswire.com on the world wide web. Inquiries to [email protected]. [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]