Shaping the future: FE and skills workforce development in the age of AI

The Education and Training Foundation (ETF) sees development of our own sector’s workforce – through effective continuing professional development and close collaboration with industry and employers – as a priority. Understanding the skills gaps in our own workforce and working together to share and develop best practice will enable the sector to harness the opportunities presented by AI.

Upskilling educators in AI

AI is already reshaping industries, automating repetitive tasks, and driving innovation in fields from healthcare to manufacturing. As the use of AI grows, so will employers’ demand for skills such as digital literacy, problem-solving, and adaptability. The FE and skills sector is uniquely positioned to respond to this demand by delivering high-quality education and training that equips the workforce with these essential skills. Yet, to embed such skills in learners requires FE and skills professionals to be practised and confident in using AI themselves.

Professional development must equip the FE and skills workforce to support learners in understanding AI and its applications across subject areas, but educators must also be supported to integrate AI effectively into their own practice. From personalised learning pathways and teaching resources to AI-driven tools that enhance classroom experiences, AI is revolutionising how we teach and train – as well as what we teach. Only with the right skills and knowledge can educators make the most of these opportunities.

In a sector characterised by dual professionalism, many FE and skills educators must maintain expertise in their vocational areas while also developing their pedagogical practice. AI intensifies this challenge, as educators must stay ahead of technological advancements in their industries whilst also responding to pedagogical changes that AI enables. Collaboration with employers as part of professional development is essential, especially given AI-driven change varies by industry. Close collaboration with employers will also inform curriculum design, ensuring learners gain the skills and experiences sought by employers.

Leading change and addressing challenges

Adapting to AI requires not only new technical skills, but also a mindset shift. We sometimes see pockets of resistance to change, and this is only natural. In response, leaders must create supportive environments that encourage experimentation and learning. This includes investing in continuing professional development programmes, providing access to AI tools, and fostering peer-to-peer learning networks. An example of collaborative learning taking place in the sector is the work being done by Jen Deakin, course leader of graphic design and advanced practitioner at Runshaw College, as part of her Technical Teaching Fellowship. Jen is researching AI and its applications while also facilitating CPD on AI for her colleagues across her College, demonstrating the value of peer-to-peer learning.

Clear communication about the uses and benefits of AI, combined with a focus on shared goals, can help educators see AI as an enabler rather than a disruptor. Deployed with the right support, AI has the potential to support practitioners with their workloads, particularly by reducing time on administrative tasks. With these benefits in mind, ETF is particularly interested in the impact of AI on teacher retention. At a time when retaining talented professionals is a considerable challenge for the sector, alleviating administrative pressures and freeing up time to spend on other areas of teaching practice could be transformative.

Alongside its benefits, leaders also need to address the risks and challenges associated with AI, from data privacy and cyber security to challenges around plagiarism and assessment. Ensuring inclusive access and addressing the risk of digital exclusion, particularly for learners from disadvantaged backgrounds, is critical as part of our sector’s ongoing commitment to championing inclusion. As we seek to understand gaps in access and learning, embedding digital skills across the curriculum and providing targeted support will help ensure no one is left behind.

Keeping up with the pace of change

AI is not a future challenge – it is a current reality. As a sector, we must act now to ensure educators are equipped with the skills they need to prepare learners for the AI-enabled workplace. Understanding current patterns of use and access to AI across the sector will be an important part of our approach. ETF is keen to convene meaningful discussions and curate forums for sector-wide reflection to help build a cohesive understanding of AI’s potential, its current use, and its implications for workforce development. Ongoing cross-sector collaboration in this area will support our wider focus on upskilling educators, fostering inclusivity, and aligning training with industry needs. By maintaining this focus, we can ensure FE and skills continues to play a vital role in driving economic growth and social value in an era of unprecedented technological change.