Day 14: Top Skills That Future Employers Will Look For

As we move deeper into the 21st century, the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI), automation, and emerging technologies is reshaping the landscape of work. For today's kids, who will be the future workforce, it's essential to understand what skills will be in demand when they enter the job market. In the AI for All - 100 Days Challenge, Day 14 focuses on helping children recognize the top skills future employers will look for. These skills will empower them to thrive in an AI-driven world, blending technical expertise with creativity and emotional intelligence.

1. Why Are New Skills Important?

The jobs of tomorrow will look very different from today’s careers. According to research, 65% of children entering primary school today will work in roles that don’t yet exist. As AI continues to automate routine tasks, future employers will value human skills that AI cannot easily replicate, such as creativity, problem-solving, collaboration, and emotional intelligence. Understanding these evolving demands will allow kids to prepare early and choose the right paths in education and personal development.

2. Top Skills Future Employers Will Look For

Here’s a breakdown of the most important skills future employers will seek, and how kids can start developing them today:

A. Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking

AI and automation can handle repetitive and predictable tasks, but humans will still be needed for higher-order thinking. Future employers will look for individuals who can approach complex problems, think critically, and come up with innovative solutions.

• What kids can do:

  • Engage in puzzles, brain games, and strategic thinking activities like chess.

  • Participate in coding challenges that teach logical thinking and troubleshooting.

  • Encourage them to ask "why" and "how" questions to cultivate curiosity.

B. Creativity and Innovation

As AI systems become more capable of performing data-driven tasks, creativity will be a crucial skill for human workers. Creativity involves generating new ideas, thinking outside the box, and applying unique solutions to problems.

• What kids can do:

  • Get involved in creative projects like art, music, writing, and DIY crafts.

  • Experiment with coding platforms designed for kids, such as Scratch, to learn how to create their own games or stories.

  • Encourage free play, imaginative thinking, and storytelling to foster innovation.

C. Emotional Intelligence (EQ)

Emotional intelligence refers to the ability to understand, manage, and respond to one’s own emotions and the emotions of others. In workplaces of the future, teamwork and collaboration will be more important than ever. AI will handle data, but only humans can empathize, resolve conflicts, and build relationships.

• What kids can do:

  • Participate in group activities like team sports or school projects to develop collaboration and empathy.

  • Practice active listening and discuss how different characters in stories feel to boost emotional understanding.

  • Teach children to handle emotions constructively, like managing frustration or sharing joy with others.

D. Digital Literacy and AI Fluency

In the future, employees will need to understand how digital technologies and AI work, and how to leverage them effectively. While not every job will require deep technical knowledge, having a solid understanding of AI tools and digital platforms will be essential.

• What kids can do:

  • Start learning basic coding skills on platforms like Code.org or Tynker, which are fun and accessible for kids.

  • Teach them how to use digital tools responsibly, like search engines, apps, and online learning resources.

  • Introduce them to the basics of AI through educational apps or simple robotics kits that help kids create and program their own robots.

E. Adaptability and Flexibility

The world is changing fast, and future jobs will likely continue to evolve even after people start working in them. Employers will seek individuals who can adapt to new tools, work environments, and industry trends without being overwhelmed.

• What kids can do:

  • Foster a growth mindset by encouraging kids to view challenges and failures as learning opportunities.

  • Help them develop resilience through activities that promote perseverance, such as learning a new hobby, sport, or instrument.

  • Encourage kids to step out of their comfort zone by trying different experiences, such as learning a new language or participating in extracurricular activities.

F. Communication Skills

Clear and effective communication will remain a fundamental skill, whether in writing, speaking, or visual presentations. Employers will look for individuals who can explain complex ideas simply, persuade others, and collaborate across different teams or cultures.

• What kids can do:

  • Encourage them to participate in debates, public speaking, or storytelling activities.

  • Practice writing through journaling, blogging, or school assignments to build clarity and structure in thought.

  • Engage in activities where they must explain their ideas, like building models and then presenting their creations to others.

G. Collaboration and Teamwork

Future workplaces will rely on people working together to solve big, complex problems. AI can help with data analysis, but human collaboration will still be vital for creative and strategic thinking.

• What kids can do:

  • Involve them in team-based activities, such as sports, group projects, or collaborative problem-solving games.

  • Encourage group brainstorming sessions, where everyone contributes ideas toward a shared goal.

  • Teach kids how to value and integrate diverse opinions and perspectives.

H. Leadership and Initiative

Employers will value individuals who can take initiative, lead projects, and motivate others. Leadership isn’t just about giving orders but inspiring a team, making decisions, and leading by example.

• What kids can do:

  • Let them take the lead on small projects, like organizing a family event or leading a group project at school.

  • Encourage decision-making in daily life, such as choosing an activity for the day or solving a family problem.

  • Teach the importance of responsibility and accountability for their actions and decisions.

3. How AI Will Impact Future Jobs

As AI continues to evolve, it will handle many of the tasks currently done by humans. But this doesn’t mean AI will replace people in the workforce; instead, it will shift the types of jobs available and the skills needed for those jobs.

AI will take over routine tasks such as data entry, scheduling, and basic customer service. However, humans will still be needed to oversee, manage, and guide AI systems. More importantly, jobs that require creativity, emotional intelligence, and critical thinking will become even more valuable.

Kids who develop these skills will not only be prepared to work alongside AI but also harness its power to amplify their strengths.

4. Preparing Kids for the Future Job Market

It’s clear that the future will demand a combination of technical knowledge and human-centric skills. While schools and educators are gradually incorporating these new requirements, parents and mentors also play a critical role in helping kids develop the skills needed for future success.

Here’s how to support this development:

• Encourage curiosity: Provide kids with opportunities to explore different areas, whether it's technology, arts, science, or humanities.

• Promote collaboration: Help them learn the value of teamwork by working on family projects, sports, or group activities.

• Model problem-solving: Involve kids in solving real-life problems at home or in the community to give them a sense of responsibility and critical thinking.

• Engage in lifelong learning: Show them that learning doesn’t stop after school. Encourage them to keep learning new things, whether it’s a new language, skill, or hobby.

5. A Future of Endless Possibilities

The future job market will be different, but not less exciting. AI and technology will create many opportunities, but they will also make human-centered skills more valuable than ever. By understanding and developing these skills now, kids will be ready to meet the challenges of tomorrow and succeed in a world where humans and AI work side by side.

By participating in challenges like AI for All, children are already taking the first steps towards becoming the innovators, leaders, and collaborators of the future.