Research shows that with the rise of artificial intelligence (AI), parents are increasingly advising their children to consider acquiring more practical skill sets.
Auto parts retailer Halfords found that 89% of parents have changed the advice they give their children about careers, with half encouraging their children to focus more on practical skills compared to two years ago 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 disrupt their children’s careers, and are rediscovering the importance of blending digital fluency with real-world problem-solving skills,” he said.
Access to AI is already creating an “opportunity gap” where people from disadvantaged backgrounds are not learning how to use the technology to their advantage. In other areas, there are concerns that the increased use of AI within organizations is leading to fewer entry-level positions.
Less than 20% of parents say they want their children to work in technology and digital fields, and around 75% of children think it will be important to work with tools, machines and technology in their future roles, especially since around 40% think AI will make it harder to find a job.
Previous research has found that girls are more concerned than boys about the future impact of AI, and that parents are also concerned that AI will affect their children’s future ability to get a job.
There is already a huge gap in technical skills in the UK, and Mr Halford said there was also a shortage of skilled workers in the UK’s engineering, construction and machinery repair sectors.
Almost three-quarters of parents think these more practical fields are good future options for their children.
To counter the impact of AI on their children’s future careers, 40% of parents believe that soft skills such as creative thinking and problem solving will be important, and almost the same number of parents believe that “technical know-how” will be valuable to their children.
However, the potential difficulties that AI could cause for children looking for jobs in the future should not prevent them from wanting to pursue technology-based jobs, and some even want to work with AI.
It found that a third of children want to work in coding, AI and gaming, with professions such as doctors, lawyers and engineers coming in second in popularity.
Only about 20% of respondents said they would like to work in a practical occupation such as a technician, tradesman, or craftsman. However, the majority of children (approximately 60%) believe they are considering a role in technology maintenance, such as repairing vehicles, robotics, or electrical systems.
Mr Halford called on the government to review the AI skills framework and focus on practical and vocational education for practical career paths such as digital technology and engineering.
Mr Birch said industry needed to work with government to make these types of careers more visible, accessible and valuable.
“We understand and support the use of AI, 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 expertise will continue to be essential to keep the UK moving forward in the coming years,” he said.
“The skills gap has widened for years and we need more education and greater incentives for young people to pursue professional and practical careers as we look to future generations.”
