As both a parent and a teacher here in Australia, I often wonder about the world our children will grow up in. We know that artificial intelligence (AI) and automation are reshaping industries rapidly, and yet, many of the jobs our kids will apply for in the future don’t even exist today. That’s a daunting thought, isn’t it?

In fact, a report by the Foundation for Young Australians (FYA) found that 70% of young people are currently studying for jobs that are likely to be either radically altered or automated by 2030ans that the traditional education pathway might not be preparing them for what lies ahead.

The Challenge for Australian Parents and Educators

We can’t predict exactly what the future workforce will look like. AI is already influencing industries, and by the time today’s primary school students enter the job market, things could be radically different. In Australia, the demand for tech-based jobs is growing rapidly. According to a Deloitte Access Economics report, by 2024, there will be a demand for over 100,000 additional tech workers . So, th we need to ask ourselves is: How do we give our kids the skills to succeed in a world we can’t fully see yet?

What Are We Doing Right?

Here in Australia, we have a solid education system. Our schools are great at teaching the core skills—literacy, numeracy, and more. But in a world where employers value adaptability, problem-solving, and creativity more than memorising facts, are we doing enough to prepare kids for that?

The World Economic Forum predicts that by 2025, critical thinking, problem-solving, and self-management will be the most sought-after skills in the workplace . This aligns wit for Australian education to evolve, and while we have a strong foundation, we need to broaden our approach to ensure our kids are ready for a world where these “soft” skills are key.

What Our Kids Really Need

The future isn’t just about knowing facts—it’s about knowing how to think critically and approach problems from different angles. What I’ve learned as a teacher is that kids who are encouraged to be curious, who are given the space to explore and think outside the box, often become the ones who can handle whatever life throws their way.

A recent PwC Australia report showed that 44% of current jobs are at risk of being automated over the next 20 years . But instead of seeing threat, it’s an opportunity to teach our kids to thrive in a changing environment. The world of work will need creative thinkers who can adapt and grow with technological advancements.

Don’t Forget Emotional Intelligence (EQ)

As much as technology will change things, it’s important to remember that some aspects of human connection can never be replaced. AI might be able to handle technical tasks, but it can’t replace empathy, leadership, or the ability to collaborate with others. These human skills will always be valuable, no matter how much technology changes.

A report by LinkedIn’s Global Talent Trends 2020 emphasised the increasing importance of emotional intelligence (EQ), noting that roles that require EQ are growing at 2x the rate of others . Australian schools are already in social and emotional learning into classrooms, but we can continue to nurture these skills both in schools and at home.

How Can We Work Together to Improve?

We’re on the right track, but there’s always room to grow. By embracing more opportunities for creative thinking, problem-solving, and using technology in innovative ways, we can give our kids the tools they’ll need to thrive in any career, whether it exists today or not.

We need to prioritise building future-proof skills, not just teaching content. According to the OECD Future of Education and Skills report, the key competencies that will future-proof children include critical thinking, creativity, and emotional intelligence【6†source】. These skills will allow our kids in a world that will keep evolving faster than we’ve ever seen before.

What Can We Do Now?

As parents and teachers, we can work together to make sure our kids are not only prepared academically but also emotionally and creatively for what’s coming. Here are a few actionable steps we can take:

Encourage curiosity: Let kids explore their interests and ask questions. Whether it’s through STEM programs, coding classes, or just exploring nature, curiosity drives innovation.
Focus on resilience: Life is unpredictable, and teaching kids to bounce back from failure is key. We can do this by letting them try, fail, and try again.
Teach collaboration and empathy: These are the human skills that will make a difference in the AI-driven workforce. Kids need to know how to work with others and lead with empathy, and that starts with us as role models.

Final Thoughts

We can’t control the future, but we can shape how our children face it. Together, we can ensure that they’re ready for whatever comes their way by encouraging curiosity, creativity, and collaboration. AI and technology might dominate the future, but it’s the human skills we nurture now that will truly set our kids apart.

Let’s keep the conversation going, jump over to our instagram—how do you think we can better prepare our kids for a future driven by AI?

A: Foundational skills like literacy and numeracy remain critical, but fostering adaptability, critical thinking, creativity, and emotional intelligence is increasingly important. According to Future of Education and Skills 2030 by the OECD, these competencies prepare children to navigate a rapidly evolving world. For more, visit OECD’s Education 2030.
A: Emotional intelligence (EQ)—the ability to manage emotions and empathise with others—is crucial for leadership, collaboration, and interpersonal success. Studies from Harvard Business Review show that high EQ is a predictor of workplace effectiveness, making it an essential skill for future-ready children. Explore EQ resources at Harvard Business Review.
A: Balance is key. While tools like coding apps and AI can enhance learning, ensure children also engage in creative arts, teamwork, and face-to-face collaboration to develop interpersonal abilities. Edutopia offers insights into creating balanced, tech-enabled learning environments. Find more at Edutopia: Technology in Education.