A poor skills set is holding people back from pursuing a job in technology, as 45% won't switch careers as they 'don't have a degree in IT' and 40% believe they are 'too old to change jobs', the research claims.
The research, which polled 2000 people across the UK, revealed that 44% would have liked to work in technology for the expected money, 31% for the intellectual challenge and 30% for the fact that a career in technology would provide them with more job opportunities.
Stuart Silberg, VP of technology at Hotels.com, said: "It's important for people to understand that, while a technology-related degree is important, it isn't always essential. What's more important is that a tech skill-set is combined with great communication skills, problem solving abilities and a real passion for the industry.
"In technology companies aren't just looking to recruit people who can code - they want to find people who can push boundaries, innovate and shape the way we live in the future."
The online surveyed polled 2000 people in August and September 2012.
Meanwhile, research published today by Semta (the skills council for science, engineering and manufacturing technologies) found that the UK's engineering workforce gender gap is 'worst in Europe'.
Only 9% of engineering professionals in the UK are women - the lowest figure across the whole of Europe.
Semta has called for women to be given a greater opportunity at forming a career in engineering.
Sarah Sillars, CEO of Semta said: "Manufacturing and engineering businesses need 82,000 new engineers, scientists and technicians between now and 2016 to meet demand.
"Women represent a great untapped resource when more than ever we need talent and higher level skills to improve our competitiveness."
Sillars added: "Women don't need quotas to succeed. Most women want to progress based on merit. However it makes good business sense for male-dominated companies to nurture their female employees to reach their full potential."
