Aussie Gen Zs prioritize AI skills for future careers — study
NEW SOUTH WALES, AUSTRALIA — The majority, or 88%, of Gen Z students in Australia, underlined the necessity of acquiring artificial intelligence (AI) skills for their future careers, according to a survey by research agency YouthInsight.
The study, conducted with 576 participants aged between 14 and 26, explored perceptions and use of Generative AI among youth. A majority (64.6%) confirmed having used Generative AI, particularly for information searches (44%) and creative experimentation (57%).
However, many respondents expressed low confidence and skill levels in using AI, with 43% considering themselves not skilled or marginally skilled.
Furthermore, about 45% of students agreed on the need for AI training in high schools and universities, emphasizing the technology’s importance for future work or study.
Interestingly, nearly 20% of the surveyed Gen Zs reported rethinking their current or future studies or career paths due to Generative AI tools. Many are contemplating changes due to potential job displacement, while others consider shifting towards technology, highlighting the necessity for AI education and awareness about its influence on the future workforce.
Dr. Anna Denejkina, Research Director for YouthInsight, said that their data presents an opportunity for Australia’s education sector “to safeguard student development and training in the use of a technology that is becoming widely available.”
She added that the sector should start “discussing how to support the youth in their education, learning, wellbeing, careers, and lives now that AI use is expected to continue in the future.
