New FGH research finds young people are resisting careers in tech because they fear they lack the required skills and are worried about sacrificing their quality of life. But tech can connect with talent around their values.

Nearly nine in 10 executives say their organizations either face a skills gap or expect it to develop within the next five years. Gender diversity in technology leaders is just 11%. And some predict potential worldwide revenue loss of over $8 trillion by 2030 because of the global lack of skilled talent.

FGH’s Research and Insights team surveyed 2,400 16-26 year-olds in Germany, China, the U.S. and the U.K to find out what’s preventing them from pursuing careers in tech. 

They found:

• The technology sector’s overall brand is strong with global youth, despite headwinds from the so-called “techlash.” 90% of respondents in China say they trust the technology sector, along with 72% in the U.K., 69% in Germany and 65% in the U.S. 

• But for many young people, a career in technology already feels out of reach.  Around half of respondents in China (51%), Germany (48%) and the UK (46%) stated that they didn’t have the opportunity to study subjects in school that would prepare them for a career in technology and believe it’s now too late. Four in 10 Americans (41%) have the same concerns.

• The sector faces key reputational gaps that drive the idea that technology is ‘not for them.’ The sector’s reputation for the ‘grind’ and ‘hustle’ of long working hours and a desk-based job is also putting off younger people. Providing a good work-life balance is a top priority for 64% of those surveyed in the U.S., 57% in China, 56% in the U.K. and 50% in Germany.

• The sector has an opportunity to align much more closely with young peoples’ priorities – which are as much pragmatic as they are values-led — to attract new talent. Majorities in all countries are somewhat or very interested in working in health tech.

Read the full report here.