The new computing curriculum is not comprehensive enough to equip pupils with the skills needed to succeed in later life when they enter a world of work dominated by technology, a new study has found.

Nominet's The State of the Art report concluded by saying that there is "no one direct path in a digital learning journey". Consequently, to make up for the deficit in the new programme of study, it is left to others to boost knowledge and understanding.

The technology charity said that while the development of the curriculum marks a positive step forward it is nevertheless limited in its scope. One way of getting around this shortfall is to broaden the way digital skills are developed.

This may be achieved, for example, in "extending digital learning" beyond computer-focused subjects and promote its inclusion in subjects like English, history, science and art. It is fundamentally about taking a creative approach.

"Over the last few years there has been an increase in the importance placed on digital making – the individual and shared pursuit of creating, coding and producing the digital products we use every day, such as games, websites and apps", commented Julian Sefton-Green, lead researcher and principal research fellow at the London School of Economics.

"However, we still have little understanding of the link between how young people learn to use digital technology and the careers they will eventually pursue when they leave education.

"This report demonstrates there’s no ‘one size fits all’ strategy, and that the progression of a digital learner is not linear. We as a nation need to go beyond the school gates to fulfil our digital education needs."

In its report, Nominet Trust also called on business leaders to promote career opportunities in roles that utilise digital skills. Presently, it says, many youngsters, with the skills needed to boost the UK economy, are unclear about what their options are.

The solution is for said leaders to develop a "clear narrative" that better links digital skills and employment opportunities and deliver more "explicit" insight to what specific jobs are available now and what roles will be created in the future.