Radical action is needed to prepare young people for the next industrial revolution according to a new report.

The Digital Revolution focuses on the impacts of technology on education and employment, claiming that “we [government, schools and universities] are sleep-walking into the biggest potential disaster of modern times” as the nature and number of jobs in the future is set to change dramatically.

The Edge Foundation report, led by its Chair, Lord Kenneth Baker, sets out an eight point education plan to move the UK’s workforce towards the technical expertise it will need:

1. Primary schools should bring in outside experts to teach coding
2. All primaries should have 3D printers and design software
3. Secondary schools should be able to teach computer science, design and technology or another technical/practical subject in place of a foreign language GCSE
4. The Computer Science GCSE should be taken by at least half of all 16 year-olds
5. Young apprenticeships should be reintroduced at 14, blending a core academic curriculum with hands-on learning
6. All students should learn how businesses work, with schools linked to local employers
7. Schools should be encouraged to develop a technical stream from 14-18 for some students, covering enterprise, health, design and hands-on skills
8. Universities should provide part-time courses for apprentices to get Foundation and Honours degrees.