Artificial intelligence (AI) is changing how we work, making tasks more efficient and creating new opportunities. To adapt to these changes, people need training and skills to do well in a world shaped by AI.
Giving people the skills they need
AI will affect jobs in every industry. To do well in an AI-driven world, workers should know how to use and understand AI tools but skills like creativity, critical thinking, and emotional intelligence are still absolutely vital. The workforce will also need to be adaptable and committed to always learning. These qualities will help them stay ready for changes in technology and job requirements.
Skills England’s work
Skills England, the government body to help improve the skills landscape is focused on a few key areas to make sure we’re prepared for AI:
- Closing skills gaps: Partnering with others to identify and address skill shortages.
- Preparing for change: Training workers to meet the needs of a tech-driven economy.
- Boosting AI education: Supporting the education system, including universities, to produce more AI graduates and offer job-relevant training.
- Promoting diversity: Making the AI field more inclusive by addressing inequalities.
- Encouraging lifelong learning: Helping people adapt throughout their careers as technology evolves.
Tackling inequalities with the AI skills fellowship
The AI Skills Fellowship, a partnership with the British Academy, focuses on making AI opportunities available to everyone regardless of their background. The fellowships will look at skills inequalities in the UK and explore how AI education can reach more people. They will also work to ensure there is inclusion across all regions and career levels.
Lessons from the AI roundtable
Last year, Skills England and the British Academy held a roundtable to discuss using AI effectively. Experts shared insights from past tech revolutions, offering ideas on how to close skills gaps and ensure fairness as AI grows. The roundtable influenced ongoing plans, including the research of two fellowships to assess skills gaps, and address inequalities in the field of AI.
Looking to the future
AI is changing work but planning and inclusivity are essential to making the most of it. By investing in skills development and addressing inequalities, we can prepare the workforce for both challenges and opportunities.