40% of UK firms say they struggle to fill tech vacancies with lack of skills causing a shortages in tech specialist roles.
A study revealed that 1.3million people currently work as tech specialists, rising 6% last year.
Companies across all sectors which are seeking to recruit tech specialists say it is hard to fill vacancies, of the 43% being affected, 85% cited skills shortages as the reason.
Enterprises say that in this year they are twice as likely as before to offer a tech apprenticeship with the number of people applying for tech apprenticeships has doubled in the last three years.
Currently, there are 14 applicants for each tech apprenticeship vacancy advertised, compared to an average of 9 applicants in general.
The Tech Partnership is using ONS and survey data to indicate the need for businesses in all sectors to use tech apprenticeships as an important weapon for faster business growth.
Tech Partnership director of strategy Margaret Sambell said: "Graduates have always been a source of new blood into tech careers. But in today’s fast moving environment, employers are also increasingly enthused by apprenticeships as a way to attract and develop new people – and are finding that a rich seam of talent.
"While more and more businesses are introducing apprenticeships, a concerted effort is required across all industries to meet demand, as well as to make sure these apprentices gain the skills they need to actively contribute to Britain’s digital future."
More digital apprentices are essential to ensure the UK’s economic growth as the country currently in need of 134,000 new tech specialists every year.
Around half of the new tech specialists will be in junior level roles. Apprenticeships offer a way to attract new people into digital careers and address the existing gap in the supply of skilled recruits.
