Bridging Digital Skills Gap: Perspectives from Higher Education and Employers in Business and Health Sectors

Abstract

This study investigates the alignment between digital skills taught in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) and those demanded by employers in the business management and health and social care sectors in the United Kingdom. Drawing on a qualitative research approach using primary data, the research explores how recent graduates and industry professionals perceive digital competencies and identifies strategies for more effective integrating of these skills into university curricula. A total of 51 graduates and 7 employers participated in the study, contributing insights through surveys distributed via email, WhatsApp, and Microsoft Teams. The findings reveal a persistent gap between graduates' digital literacy and employers' expectations, particularly in data analysis, specialised software use, and digital communication. While basic proficiency in tools like Microsoft Office is common, both groups emphasised the need for more advanced, practice-oriented digital training. Employers highlighted adaptability and digital fluency as critical yet underdeveloped attributes among recruits. The study concludes that bridging this gap requires a collaborative effort between HEIs and industry, involving curriculum reform, simulation-based learning, and certification in emerging technologies. These findings contribute to ongoing debates about graduate employability and digital readiness, offering practical recommendations for educational policy and curriculum development.