Research revealed that one in ten people aged 45 to 60 hadn’t picked up a new skill in the past year, compared to 58% of Gen Z who say they pick up something new every week.
But despite the learning plateau, older generations are still hungry for knowledge with more than one million wanting to return to the classroom. Around 47% expressed interest in technology such as AI and 31% were keen to explore new ideas.
The findings come from research commissioned by Samsung UK to mark its Solve for Tomorrow competition – a free, curriculum-linked programme challenging 11 to 18-year-olds to use technology to solve real-world problems.
Actor and presenter Larry Lamb helped launch the contest by going back to school for a day at Wembley High Technology College to see how creativity and innovation are being nurtured in today’s classrooms.
“I’ll be honest, it caught me off guard how inspiring some of these young people are,” Larry, star of EastEnders and Gavin and Stacey said.
“I didn’t have access to competitions like Samsung Solve for Tomorrow when I was younger, and as I’m older, I find myself wishing initiatives like this were available to me.
“I started the day with a pretty clear idea of what I thought young people did in school, but that completely changed when I saw the incredible impact they’re capable of making, not just for the world today, but for our future too.
“Opportunities like this give young people more space to apply practical skills and make a change in the world. Whether it’s you, your kids, grandkids, or anyone else you know under 18, I’d urge you get them involved to help invent the future.”
Applications for the 2025 Solve for Tomorrow competition are now open.
Soohyun Jessie Park, head of corporate social responsibility at Samsung UK, added: “It was an extremely rewarding experience working with Larry for Solve for Tomorrow this year and seeing him interact and collaborate so our wonderful students at Wembley High.
“It was lovely to know that he came away from the experience with a much more informed opinion on what children today can learn in school and also how technology in young people’s hands can be a force-for-good when shaping the future with innovation.”
“Our previous research shows that 85% of young people believe a career in technology would allow them to contribute positively to society and we believe very young person deserves to feel like this.
“To recognize the need to support our next generation of innovators from a younger age, Solve for Tomorrow this year will be focusing on supporting school-aged children and young people, offering opportunities to access skills workshops, mentoring from Samsung and winning tech prizes and work experience opportunities.”