AI and further education - Thoughts after the Annual Apprenticeship Conference 2024

It was really exciting to be back at the Annual Apprenticeship Conference once again being held in Birmingham (for the last time before its move to Liverpool in 2025).

I wanted to share some thoughts on the conference and five areas where AI could have an impact in Further Education (FE).

For those that haven't been, the AAC attracts thousands from the FE and skills sector to get an understanding of latest news, innovative best practise and more. With my changing focus on AI and the future of work and skills, I wanted to see where the FE sector is with AI.

Two conversations on day one stuck out for me

The first was a panel that included Paul Eeles of Skills and Education Group , James Earl of FE Tech , Jenny Gordon of GoReact and Kirri Watson of 谷歌 . It was a discussion on AI in FE. I found this offered a blend of optimism and concern.

But this didn't feel new to me. It's no secret that the FE sector often faces challenges in adopting new technologies due to the pressures of funding and established methodologies can make the pace of change slower than desired.

Then came the powerhouse that was former MP Rory Stewart. Listen to what he had to say below in the transformational power of AI

A key highlight was Rory Stewart's powerful talk on AI's capabilities, underscoring the significant role it could play in reshaping our educational landscape.

Day two felt a bit different. Every AI session was packed to the extent that people were being turned away. And the biggest conversations outside were among the awarding bodies. It was really interesting to hear how awarding bodies were assessing the impact of AI on their front line (assessors and trainers) and back office staff.

A number of people I spoke with didn't know where to start and some felt somewhat overwhelmed by the many platforms and updates. This is the reality of AI. It's fast moving and for companies to really meet the demands of this new revolution, every person must have some form of AI literacy.

This got me thinking about how, at the very least, those within the FE sector could begin to think about impact AI could bring impact to the FE sector.

I believe there are five critical areas :

1) Personalised Learning Paths: AI can analyse student data to create customised learning experiences, catering to the individual needs and learning styles of each student. This personalisation can lead to increased engagement and improved learning outcomes.

2) Efficiency in Administration: AI-driven systems can automate administrative tasks such as enrollment, scheduling, and student assessments. This automation can free up valuable time for educators, allowing them to focus more on teaching and less on paperwork.

3) Enhanced Tutor Support: AI can provide tutors with insights into student performance, highlighting areas where learners might be struggling. This information can enable tutors to offer targeted support, ensuring no student falls behind.

4) Interactive Learning Environments: AI can create dynamic, interactive learning environments that engage students in new and exciting ways. From AI-powered simulations to virtual laboratories, these tools can bring subjects to life, making learning more immersive and effective.

5) Predictive Analytics for Course Development: By analysing trends and performance data, AI can assist in developing courses that are more aligned with industry needs and student interests, ensuring that the FE sector stays relevant and up-to-date.

Reflecting on the discussions from the Annual Apprenticeship Conference over the last few days, it's clear that the journey towards integrating AI in further education will be a complex but rewarding one. The potential benefits for students, educators, and the industry as a whole are immense. The question remains, is the further education sector ready to embrace this change?

The path forward requires not just technological adoption but also a cultural shift in how we view education and technology's role in it. It's an exciting time for the FE sector and for the AI Work and Skills Academy, and I look forward to seeing how AI will shape its future.

I wanted to finish off by adding the speech from the Shadow Minister for Skills, Seema Malhotra MP, which I found fascinating.

A big congratulations to Shane Mann and the wider Educationscape team on running such a large event so smoothly.

By Isa Mutlib FIEP, Assoc CIPD

Want to share some thoughts? Let's chat. Email me on [email protected]

This blog is part of our AI Work and Skills newsletter on LinkedIn, where we explore the impact of AI on work, skills, and beyond. Stay tuned for more insights and discussions from leading voices in the field.

The AI Work and Skill Forum brings together key stakeholders to discuss the impact of AI on the future of work and skills. Come join us on May 21st 2024 in London for the next Forum event. https://aiworkandskills.com

The AI Work and Skills Academy trains teams with AI literacy and data skills through short courses and apprenticeships to build AI empowered workforces. https://academy.aiworkandskills.com