Artificial intelligence is changing not only the jobs available to young people, but also the way they enter the workforce.
A recent article by Faraz Ahmed, published in The Express Tribune, highlights an important challenge: many of the routine tasks traditionally given to graduates and entry-level workers can now be supported or completed by AI. Drafting basic content, carrying out preliminary research, analysing simple data and responding to customer queries are increasingly being automated.
This does not necessarily mean that entire professions will disappear. However, it does mean that the skills young people need to begin and develop their careers are changing.
AI skills are only part of the answer
One of the article's strongest points is that simply adding an AI course to an existing curriculum is not enough.
Young people will certainly need to understand AI, data and digital tools. But the changing labour market is also increasing the value of distinctly human abilities, including:
- critical thinking and judgement;
- creativity and problem-solving;
- communication and teamwork;
- adaptability and emotional intelligence;
- the ability to evaluate whether AI-generated information is accurate, incomplete or biased; and
- a willingness to continue learning throughout working life.
As AI becomes better at carrying out clearly defined tasks, people will increasingly add value by deciding what problems need to be solved, assessing the quality of AI outputs and applying knowledge responsibly in real situations.
From qualifications to capabilities
The article also raises questions about how education prepares young people for employment. Degrees and certificates remain important, but employers are increasingly interested in what a person can actually do.
This means education may need to place greater emphasis on practical experience, portfolios, workplace learning and assessments that test reasoning, originality and application rather than simply the reproduction of information.
For projects such as VALUES, this discussion is particularly relevant. Preparing young people for an AI-enabled future is not only about teaching them to use new technology. It is also about helping them become critical, adaptable and responsible users of AI who understand both its opportunities and its limitations.
The labour market will continue to change. Preparing young people for it means giving them the confidence and skills not simply to use AI, but to work alongside it, question it and continue developing as technology evolves.
Further reading to original artilce: Faraz Ahmed's original article, Preparing youth for AI-disrupted job market, published by The Express Tribune https://tribune.com.pk/story/2626612/preparing-youth-for-ai-disrupted-job-market