Leaders urge AI-ready youth skills for future jobs

Technology and training leaders are using World Youth Skills Day to urge governments and employers to rethink how they prepare young people for an economy shaped by artificial intelligence and rapid digital change.

Executives from cybersecurity, digital training and creative education say traditional qualifications and narrow technical training no longer match the needs of a labour market where AI tools are becoming widespread.

The comments come as policymakers debate how education systems should respond to generative AI, automation and the growth of digital-first industries. Business leaders say the shift is already visible across sectors, from cybersecurity to animation and gaming, where employers want staff who can combine technical knowledge with judgement, adaptability and creative thinking.

Cybersecurity training provider EC-Council sees the next workforce transition as less about basic exposure to AI and more about governance. Founder and Group President Jay Bavisi said organisations will increasingly value people who understand how AI systems behave, can scrutinise outputs and can take responsibility for decisions that rely on algorithmic support.

"World Youth Skills Day has traditionally focused on preparing young people for employment. But as the nature of work changes, the definition of a future-ready skill must change with it. The next workforce transition will not be driven simply by access to AI. That phase is already underway. The bigger shift will be toward AI accountability, where professionals are expected to understand AI risks, validate outputs and take responsibility for the decisions they influence. Employers will increasingly look for people who can adopt AI productively, defend the systems and data around it and govern its use responsibly. That is the thinking behind the Adopt, Defend, Govern (ADG) Framework. AI readiness is no longer measured by technical proficiency alone, but by whether people can use AI responsibly, securely and accountably. For young people entering the workforce, AI literacy will help them participate in the economy. The ability to adopt, defend and govern AI will determine who is trusted to lead. World Youth Skills Day should challenge us to prepare young people not only for today's jobs, but for the responsibilities AI will bring to tomorrow's workplace," said Jay Bavisi, Founder and Group President, EC-Council.

Indian cybersecurity and digital solutions firm Inspira Enterprise also ties youth training priorities to broader social impact. Managing Director Chetan Jain said young workers will need broader skill sets as digitalisation reshapes roles across industries.

"As the global job market continues to evolve in the digital era, it is critical for young people to develop multiple skill sets to remain competitive. On World Youth Skills Day, we celebrate the power of young people to build a brighter future for themselves and their communities. To help them thrive, technical skills, though crucial and industry-specific, are no longer enough. They should be combined with digital skills, behavioural skills, critical thinking, collaboration, adaptability and ethical decision-making to support faster personal and professional success. At Inspira Enterprise, we believe in investing in future-ready digital skills and continuous learning while navigating the digital world. Critical thinking and problem-solving, along with adaptability, flexibility and emotional intelligence, are equally important. Young people will then be empowered to innovate with confidence and develop a strong sense of responsibility to drive meaningful transformation. A shared future depends on how well our young minds are equipped with relevant skills to address tomorrow's challenges," said Chetan Jain, Managing Director, Inspira Enterprise.

Creative and digital education provider Aptech highlights similar changes in India's job market. It points to expanding roles in animation, gaming and immersive media as examples of how AI and content platforms are reshaping demand.

"On World Youth Skills Day, we must move beyond viewing qualifications as the end goal and instead focus on building capabilities that prepare young people for the future. As AI transforms industries and the Creator and Orange Economies continue to grow, skilling, upskilling and reskilling are becoming indispensable for long-term career success. Exciting opportunities are emerging across animation, visual effects, gaming, design and immersive technologies, creating demand for professionals who combine creativity with digital and technical expertise. At Aptech, we believe industry-aligned, hands-on learning is key to bridging the gap between education and employment. By empowering learners with future-ready skills and a mindset of continuous learning, we can nurture innovators, entrepreneurs and job creators while strengthening India's position as a global hub for creative and digital talent," said Sandip Weling, Whole-time Director & Chief Business Officer, Global Retail Business, Aptech Limited.

Across the three organisations, there is a shared emphasis on continuous learning, critical thinking and ethical judgement as AI spreads through workplaces. Leaders say those qualities will help determine which young professionals gain trust in roles that involve both digital tools and consequential decisions.