AI Reshapes Youth Skills: Digital Literacy, Ethics & Adaptability Key

The advent of artificial intelligence and rapid technological advancement is dramatically transforming the expectations for young professionals entering the workforce. This year's World Youth Skills Day serves as a pointed reminder of the urgency for governments, educators and industries to prioritise upskilling the next generation with both foundational digital competencies and critical higher-order thinking skills.

Greg Fuller, Vice President of Skillsoft Codecademy, believes the importance of foundational digital and AI skills has become undeniable. He argues that these capabilities are not merely advantageous but essential for future-ready enterprises and societies. "World Youth Skills Day is a powerful reminder that investing in young people's skills is investing in our shared future," Fuller notes, highlighting the fundamental role digital literacy now plays. "AI is reshaping the way we live and work, but its full potential can only be realised when young people are equipped with the knowledge, skills and confidence to harness it effectively," he adds.

Fuller envisions a future in which the ability to adapt, think critically, and continue learning is equally as important as technical expertise. He points towards the significant transformation expected in the global workforce within the next five years, suggesting that by 2030 almost two-thirds of all workers will require some reskilling to remain relevant or to adapt to emerging roles. "To thrive in this evolving landscape, young people will need more than technical expertise; they need adaptability, critical thinking and a mindset of continuous learning."

As the technological landscape shifts, the pace of change challenges traditional models of education and training. Fuller advocates for a sustained, strategic commitment to youth upskilling, stating, "Foundational training is just the beginning. As technology evolves, so must we." According to him, nations and organisations that prioritise lifelong learning and skill development will be best positioned to lead in the new economy.

Frank Gartland, Chief Technology and Product Officer at Skillable, reinforces this perspective, observing a tangible change in which skills are in demand for young professionals, particularly in the context of AI-powered workplaces. "We're seeing a shift from foundational cognitive tasks (like information recall) toward higher-level cognitive thinking capabilities: evaluating AI outputs, providing constructive feedback, deciding when to use technology, and how to guide it toward a meaningful outcome," Gartland says.

He notes that abilities once reserved for more senior positions - such as process optimisation and resource management - are increasingly necessary for entry-level employees. In his words, "The question isn't just 'Can you use AI?' but 'Can you use it well, ethically, and with critical insight to deliver business value?'" This expanded set of expectations places additional emphasis on ethics, judgement and creativity alongside technical know-how.

Gartland advocates for a move beyond theory-based education, stressing the need for practical, experiential learning opportunities. "Young professionals need the space to experiment, iterate, and fail safely as they learn," he explains. This approach, he says, builds not only capability but also confidence and retention, enabling individuals to swiftly adapt as new AI tools and methodologies emerge. "Practise also helps young professionals retain their skills for longer, as they apply theory quickly after learning it. Theory plus practice is the key for ongoing learning effectiveness."

He concludes by emphasising the importance of such an investment for economic and societal development. "Investing in this kind of learning environment is how we equip the next generation not just to survive the AI revolution, but to lead it."

As World Youth Skills Day brings attention to accelerating change in the nature of work, these expert voices reiterate the necessity for a holistic, long-term commitment to youth skills development. Without it, the next generation risks being left behind in an era defined by continuous technological disruption.

Source: IT Brief