A study of 1,400 15 to 25-year-olds for the Prince’s Trust also found that one in six of those who are unemployed think they would be in work if they had better computer skills.
The findings come alongside the launch of a new scheme to engage students with science and technology, which has been funded by a £500,000 donation from musician Will.i.am. The project will be delivered in partnership with the Science Museum and will target disadvantaged students.
Outreach staff from the museum will go into The Prince’s Trust xl clubs in schools and work with those at risk of exclusion and under-achievement.
The Ipsos MORI research also found that 20 per cent of unemployed young people felt their computer skills were not good enough to use in the job they want, while one in six do not apply for jobs which require basic computer skills.
Martina Milburn, chief executive of the Prince’s Trust, said: “A lack of computer literacy can hold young people back and this is damaging their job prospects. Without basic computer skills, young people will not be able to pursue career paths and passions because they can’t get a foot in the door.”
For more information on the work of the Prince’s Trust, visit www.princes-trust.org.uk