The rise of generative AI in education presents both opportunities and challenges for vocational education and training (VET) qualifications. A recent report titled ‘Building an AI-Enabled Workforce: Priority Framework’ from the Future Skills Organisation (FSO) and Mandala Partners highlight the need for a strategic overhaul in educational frameworks to ensure relevance in the evolving job market.
VET Qualifications and Generative AI: Key Insights from the Reports
Identifying Impacted Sectors: VET qualifications in marketing, communications, conveyancing, and insurance broking are particularly susceptible to the effects of generative AI. This prioritization is crucial as these fields are integral to the finance, technology, and business sectors.
FSO’s Proactive Stance: Patrick Kidd, CEO of FSO, emphasizes the urgency of adapting VET qualifications to align with the rapid growth of generative AI. The organization’s research aims to pinpoint the qualifications most at risk and to develop a responsive training system that addresses these changes effectively.
Economic Impact and Methodology: Mandala Partners’ research methodology expands on previous analyses, creating a prioritization framework that assesses the economic impact of VET qualifications. This approach ensures that RTO assessment resources and efforts are directed towards the most critical areas.
Building a Skilled Workforce for the Future
In conjunction with these findings, the FSO announced a comprehensive workforce plan and a national forum dedicated to building a skilled workforce in finance, tech, and business. This initiative aims to foster collaboration between training providers and industry leaders to address skill gaps and prepare for future demands.
Action Points for Educators and Trainers
- Stay Informed: Regularly update curricula to reflect the latest technological advancements and industry requirements.
- Leverage Research: Utilize the insights from FSO’s reports to identify and prioritize qualifications that need immediate attention.
- Collaborate: Engage with industry stakeholders to ensure that training programs are aligned with real-world needs.
By proactively adapting to the changing landscape, educators and trainers can better prepare students for a future where generative AI plays a significant role in the workforce.
