We’re all chasing talent. It’s become as crucial to success as building amazing products, and a lot of businesses are feeling the squeeze. The problem is that demand for people with AI skills is skyrocketing, but the supply isn’t keeping up. The OECD points this out – lots of us need AI expertise, but very few job postings actually require it.
But there’s a promising trend emerging, and it’s happening in Europe. On the continent and in the UK, some things are happening in AI education – experiments that use AI to change how people learn. These are glimpses into the future workforce, showing us how the next generation will approach problem-solving and collaboration in a world increasingly using AI.
Let’s take a look at a few examples, and examine how they can help businesses rethink their approach to talent.
Training teachers to work with AI – the Manchester story
The University of Manchester is integrating generative AI into how it prepares future educators, using the tools critically, creatively, and thoughtfully, combining AI’s suggestions with their students’ knowledge and experience.
That suggests a future where employees aren’t consumers of training but are comfortable co-creating with AI. Future generations will expect AI assistance in their day-to-day tasks, and the real competitive edge won’t be whether people use AI, but how they use it responsibly and ethically. UNESCO’s take is spot-on, highlighting the enhancing of human capabilities, not replacing them.
Building AI skills from the ground up: AI-ENTR4YOUTH
AI-ENTR4YOUTH is a programme bringing together Junior Achievement Europe and partners in ten European countries. Here AI is embedded in entrepreneurship education, where students use AI tools to tackle real-world problems, with a focus on innovation and European values.
This develops practical AI literacy early on, linking AI with the entrepreneurial mindset; the ability to spot opportunities and test new ideas. Importantly, it’s broadening the pool of AI talent by reaching students who might chose business, not technical degrees.
The skills gap can be solved. Companies that complain about a lack of AI talent should ask: How can we actively support or emulate programmes like AI-ENTR4YOUTH to build the workforce we need?
Personalised learning & impact: The Social Tides perspective
Social Tides champions education innovators in Europe. Its work highlights projects that use AI to create more tailored learning experiences, particularly for students who need extra support or have diverse learning styles. AI is helping personalise content, act as mentor, and build communities around students.
The common thread is human oversight. AI gives recommendations and insight, but humans are still very much in the loop, making judgements and offering support. This aligns with best AI business practice, as leaders try to make learning an integral part of the working day.
Key questions for leaders
What does this mean for decision-makers? Here are a few questions to consider:
Learning architecture: Are we embracing AI-assisted, personalised learning paths internally?Talent & pipeline: Are we shaping the future talent pool through partnerships with local schools and universities?Governance & ethics: Do we have clear guidelines for AI use in training, ensuring fairness and transparency?Vendor choices: Are we selecting AI tools that align with our values and pertinent regulations?
Although these educational programmes could be termed experiments, they are a signal of how the future of work might be shaped. Companies that pay attention now will be the ones to secure better talent and build more adaptable, learning-driven organisations.
(Image source: “Laboratory” by ♔ Georgie R is licensed under CC BY-ND 2.0. T)
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