Parents are beginning to be inclined to advise their children to acquire more practical skills after artificial intelligence (AI)according to research.
Car parts retailer Halfords found that 89% of parents have changed the advice they give their children about careers, and compared with two years ago, half are now advising children to focus on practical skills as AI changes career paths.
Halfords chief executive Henry Birch said research showed parents were aware of this reality. “They are concerned that AI could ruin their children's careers, and they are rediscovering the importance of combining digital proficiency with real problem-solving skills,” he said.
There is already access to AI causing an “opportunity gap”As a result, people from low-income families do not learn to use technology to their advantage. In other areas, there are concerns that the increased use of AI in organizations which leads to a drop in entry-level positions.
Less than 20% of parents said they want their children to work in technology or digital skills, and around 75% of children believe it will be important for them to work with tools, equipment or technology in their future role, especially since around 40% think AI will make it harder for them to get a job.
Previous studies have shown that girls are more anxious than boys about the future impact of AI, and parents are also concerned that AI will affect their children's ability to find work in the future.
already there significant technology skills gap in the UKThere is also a shortage of skilled workers in the engineering, construction and mechanical repair sectors in the UK, according to Halfords.
Nearly three-quarters of parents believe these more practical industries are a good future for their children.
To combat the impact of AI on their children's future careers, 40% of parents believe soft skills such as creative thinking and problem solving will be important, and almost the same number of parents also consider “tech know-how” valuable for their children.
But the potential challenges that AI could cause for kids looking for jobs in the future isn't keeping them from hoping to work in tech jobs, with some even wanting to work in AI.
It found that a third of children want to work in coding, artificial intelligence or gaming, with professions such as doctor, lawyer and engineer being the second most popular.
Only about 20% said they wanted to go into a practical profession, such as a technician, tradesman or craftsman. However, a large proportion of children, about 60%, are considering careers in maintenance jobs, such as vehicle repair, robotics or electrical systems.
Halfords called on the government to reconsider its policies Artificial Intelligence Skills Framework and focus on practical and vocational education for practical careers, including in digital technology and engineering.
Birch said industry needs to work with government to make these careers more visible, accessible and valuable.
“We understand and support the use of artificial intelligence, and as technology rapidly advances, we evolve with it. But we also know the value of combining technology with practical, hands-on work. Skilled trades and technical knowledge will remain important to keeping Britain moving in the years ahead,” he said.
“The skills gap has been growing for years and to prepare the next generation we need more education and more incentives for young people to pursue professional and practical careers.”
