More than 7,000 schoolchildren took part in Digital Day this week, an event designed to raise awareness of careers in digital and tech.

The annual event is organised by the British Interactive Media Association (BIMA) and sees industry experts visit schools across the UK to get 13-18 year olds involved in a series of digital challenges.

Despite the uncertainty in the UK economy, the digital sector continues to be a major success story, yet the industry is struggling to keep up with a growing skills shortage. A recent CBI/TCS report reinforced the talent pipeline crisis, with 60% of larger firms reporting that their digital skills needs will increase dramatically over the next three to five years. Meanwhile, 69% of small businesses report they will see a significant increase in their needs over the next two years.

BIMA Co-President Natalie Gross said, “The statistics show that businesses are crying out for talent. We say it’s time to change the statistics. The skills shortage message is important, and we are making inroads. Government, industry and education are coming together to create solutions. But not fast enough, not positively enough, and not far reaching enough. So today we are asking for Britain to stand and celebrate the role our digital and technology talent plays on an international stage.”

Some 87% of young people who hear about careers on Digital Day want to find out more about a digital career, BIMA said. The initiative has become a vital tool in bridging the gap between education and industry and addressing the ongoing need for skills it added.

This year's tasks were set by Wimbledon, software consultancy EPAM and the World's Largest Lesson/Microbit Educational Foundation.