I recently asked my LinkedIn network a simple question:

If you could redesign one aspect of education to better prepare young people for the future workforce, where would you start?

The responses were fascinating.

The poll options included communication skills, digital literacy, problem-solving and career readiness. While opinions varied, one thing became clear: there is a growing recognition that success in today’s workplace requires far more than qualifications alone.

As someone who has worked across both industry and education throughout my career, this is a conversation I think about a great deal.

The world of work is changing rapidly.

Artificial intelligence is reshaping industries. New job roles are emerging. Traditional career pathways are evolving, and the pace of change shows no signs of slowing down.

Yet, despite these changes, many of the skills employers value most are not new.

• Communication
• Adaptability
• Problem-solving
• Collaboration
• Curiosity

These are the skills that help individuals navigate uncertainty, work effectively with others and continue learning throughout their careers.

The challenge is not whether these skills matter.

The challenge is ensuring that young people have opportunities to develop them early and often.

Communication Still Matters

When employers talk about workplace readiness, communication frequently tops the list.

Whether presenting ideas, collaborating within teams, contributing in meetings or building professional relationships, the ability to communicate clearly remains essential.

In an increasingly digital world, communication has become even more important.

Young people need opportunities to speak, present, debate, collaborate and articulate their thinking across the curriculum, not just in specific subjects.

These experiences help build confidence as well as competence.

Digital Literacy Is No Longer Optional

Digital literacy has evolved.

Today, being digitally literate extends far beyond knowing how to use software.

Young people need to understand how digital technologies shape society, how to evaluate online information critically and how to use technology safely, responsibly and creatively.

Increasingly, they also need opportunities to develop AI literacy.

As artificial intelligence becomes embedded across workplaces and everyday life, understanding how AI works, where it can add value and where human judgement remains essential will become increasingly important.

This is one reason why much of my current work focuses on AI Across the Curriculum, supporting educators and organisations to build confidence in using AI meaningfully and responsibly.

Digital capability should not sit within a single subject area.

It should be embedded across the curriculum and connected to real-world contexts.

Problem-Solving and Adaptability Prepare Young People for an Uncertain Future

Many of the jobs today’s learners will undertake have not yet been created.

That means we cannot simply prepare young people for specific job titles.

Instead, we need to prepare them to adapt.

Problem-solving, creativity, critical thinking and adaptability enable individuals to navigate change and respond to new challenges with confidence.

Real-world projects, employer encounters, interdisciplinary learning and opportunities to experiment all help develop these capabilities.

Importantly, they also help learners understand that mistakes are often part of the learning process.

Career Readiness Starts Earlier Than We Think

Career education should not begin in the final years of schooling.

Young people benefit from understanding the breadth of opportunities available to them from an early age.

They need exposure to role models, employers, different pathways and authentic workplace experiences.

When learners can see how classroom learning connects to future opportunities, engagement often increases.

Career readiness is not simply about preparing for a first job.

It is about helping young people understand themselves, recognise their strengths and develop the confidence to navigate a changing world.

Bridging the Gap

Having worked in both education and industry, I believe we need stronger and more meaningful connections between the two.

Schools cannot do this alone.

Employers, industry partners, policymakers and educators all have a role to play.

The future workforce will need technical knowledge.

But it will also need communication, digital confidence, adaptability, creativity and lifelong learning.

Perhaps the question is not:

What jobs will exist in ten years’ time?

Perhaps a better question is:

What capabilities will help young people thrive, whatever the future holds?

I would love to hear your thoughts.

What skills do you believe matter most from classroom to industry?