World Youth Skills Day: tech experts discuss shaping the future workforce through AI, upskilling, and global collaboration

In an increasingly digitised and evermore competitive world of work, equipping young people with skills for employment has never been more crucial, especially with rapid AI and technological development and the threat that it poses to jobs.

On this year’s World Youth Skills Day, we explore what is needed to help shape the future workforce, gathering insights from tech, security & recruitment experts.  As technological advancements reshape industries, “empower the youth for development” isn’t just a slogan; it’s a call to action.

Reshaping the future of work

Highlighting an increasingly globalised world of work, Laura Maffucci, Head of HR, G-P (Globalization Partners),says, “G-P’s 2023 Global Growth Report highlighted that Gen Z-aged employees overwhelmingly responded (85%) that companies that hire from multiple countries offer more opportunities to grow their careers. Global employment gives organisations access to a broader talent pool with skill sets that may not be available in their home market.

“Furthermore, with skill demands varying across different industries and regions, some companies are also shifting towards hiring based on potential. This approach acknowledges that candidates who are smart and motivated can adapt to new skills given the right learning and training opportunities. This can include reskilling in both tech and soft skills. Tech skills typically involve targeted certifications or learning to use new technologies or systems, while soft skills include connective intelligence or the ability to be agile, pivot quickly, and connect the dots between their work and the other work in the organization. Leading with empathy and understanding employees’ skills, strengths, and aspirations allows for better workforce management, talent development, and strategic planning, ultimately creating environments where younger generations can thrive.”

Discussing the significance of technological investment for attracting talent, Lotte Sodemann Sørensen, Vice President of Human Resources, Universal Robots, says, “Investing in technology not only enhances worker development but also boosts a company’s appeal as an employer. This is especially true for younger workers, many of whom need persuading that manufacturing jobs are safe and rich in opportunities for professional development. Offering development programs and career planning, combined with updating technology and machinery, can enrich employee skills. Keeping production updated with new technology and encouraging employees to familiarise themselves with these digitised trends is a great way to remain an attractive workplace.”

Reflecting on the importance of ethical AI use in the future-ready workplace, Pam Maynard, CEO, Avanade adds: “Equipping young people with AI skills prepares them for success in a technology-driven future. However, unequal access, lack of regulation, and potential biases in AI are significant issues that could undermine its benefits. Young people are the tech innovators and policymakers of the future so must be equipped with the knowledge to balance innovation with ethical standards. As we all adapt to a world where working alongside AI is the norm, we have a duty to ensure that young people are well-positioned to ensure AI serves all societal segments fairly, safely and inclusively.”

Addressing the skills gap

Advocating for diverse upskilling pathways amid the advent of generative AI and technologies like ChatGPT, Keiron Shepherd, Solutions Architect, EMEA, F5, says, “Young people need to develop the technical skills required to keep pace with the ever-changing cybersecurity landscape. The UK’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) projects a cybersecurity shortage of 1.9 million by 2025. To address this growing gap, it’s essential to recognise diverse upskilling pathways early on, including apprenticeships and industry-recognised certifications. What’s more, engaging with the cybersecurity community through meetups, conferences, and open-source projects can continually enhance skills and expand professional networks.”

David Spillane, Systems Engineering Director, Fortinet highlights the urgent need to address the skills gap in the cybersecurity and IT sectors and diversify recruitment pools: “Thousands of job vacancies remain unfilled because candidates without the ‘right’ skills are turned away. The digital skills gap is widening. Everyone has a part to play in solving this challenge, and leaders must think outside the box when hiring young talent, including diversifying recruitment pools by hiring candidates from non-traditional backgrounds and investing in cybersecurity training and certifications to upskill teams once hired. This will allow businesses to close the skills gap and attract the next generation of talent to ensure young people lacking the technical skills many deem vital for these sectors aren’t being passed up.”

Chris Herbert, Chief Content Officer, Pluralsight emphasises the need for investment in upskilling talent amid significant technology skill gaps which are holding organisations back: “Research shows 78% of organisations have had to abandon projects due to a lack of employees with the right skills to carry them out. So, investing in upskilling and reskilling the workforce allows businesses to modernise and create fulfilling careers for tech workers. Online learning platforms, bootcamps, apprenticeships, and certification programmes are also effective in supplementing traditional education, equipping young professionals with the required tech skills.”

Advocating for the value of mentorship, Gemma Donnelly, Electronics Technician, Dexory, says “Mentorship plays a crucial role in helping young people develop the skills necessary for a successful career. When working in childcare, I would’ve never envisioned I’d end up having a career building cutting edge robots. It was only through the guidance of my aunt that I made the transition into the tech industry, learning to solder and assemble electronics despite having no technical background. Having someone experienced guiding you can have a life changing impact on a young person’s career, but they also need to be ready to embrace the unexpected and be open to exploring new career paths. I encourage young people to seek out knowledgeable mentors, welcome new challenges, and remain resilient as they navigate their career journeys.”  

Preparing for a technology-driven future: developing collaborative skills

Encouraging the prioritisation of data and AI literacy, James Fisher, Chief Strategy Officer, Qlik, says, “Advanced technologies like AI have created many new opportunities for the new generation. This is all driven by data. Education institutions and businesses must continuously upskill young people with modern data and AI literacy skills, crucial across all sectors. Prioritising ongoing learning in the workplace ensures young employees gain necessary data skills to thrive in our data-driven world.”

Emphasising that young people need to develop collaboration skills to work effectively with both humans and machines, Jessica Guistolise, Evangelist, Lucid, says, “For those entering the tech industry, it’s important to understand how to collaborate effectively with their team members and learn how to optimise the use of AI responsibly. Mastering these skills will help them be adaptable, have the ability to prioritise tasks, communicate effectively and fully leverage AI to contribute to the success of their projects and initiatives.”

Clare Loveridge, VP & GM EMEA, Arctic Wolf, stresses integrating real-world experience to address the cybersecurity skills gap needs to be a key focus among both businesses and educational organisations alike: “This begins by ensuring STEM students are taught the practical problem-solving skills actually required for cybersecurity careers. In this way, educational organisations can use students to boost their teams, providing students with hands-on experience while also protecting their own assets. Similarly, Cybersecurity firms should offer internships and work experiences to prepare students what a career in cybersecurity looks like. This will ensure that when they graduate, they are ultimately ready to hit the ground running.”

The advent of generative AI and technologies like ChatGPT underscores the importance of building a new generation of skilled younger workers, capable of navigating this entirely new landscape. Equipping young people with the right skills for the future is a collective responsibility – and the onus is on businesses, educational institutions, and policymakers to do so. By embracing diverse upskilling pathways, investing in technology, fostering collaboration, and emphasising AI proficiency, we can bridge the skills gap and prepare the next generation for a technology-driven future.