Education in the Age of Automation

The Institute of Directors have argued in a new report that the Government must help facilitate more lifelong learning, to adapt to the challenges posed by the new age of automation. Teachers also need to be adequately preparing young people to cope with a rapidly changing labour market.

Norwich North MP Chloe Smith, who chairs the All Party Parliamentary Group on Youth Employment, this week met with the report’s author, Seamus Nevin, to discuss what this analysis means for long term employment and education policy in the UK.

Commenting on the meeting Chloe said:

“Britain is leading the way in technological and digital innovation. The progress we’ve seen is tremendously exciting, but it can sometimes feel like a headache trying to keep up with it all. A lifelong approach to learning is clearly needed if we are to embrace change without being overtaken by it.

“In my role as chair of the APPG on Youth Employment I am working to bring together employers, politicians and leaders in education to share best practice and raise the profile of young people in the labour market. Locally I am grateful for the support shown by our schools for the campaign to boost social mobility in Norwich. With the trend towards automation likely to continue, it is vital we adapt quickly if the next generation is to feel able to compete.”