AI leads parents to change their careers advice to children | Computer Weekly

"Motor parts retailer Halfords found that 89% of parents have changed the advice they're giving to their children about careers, and compared with two years ago, half are now recommending children focus on hands-on skills as AI alters career paths. Halfords CEO Henry Birch said its research showed that parents are recognising this reality. "They're concerned that AI could disrupt their children's careers, and they're rediscovering the importance of blending digital fluency with real-world, problem-solving skills," he said."

"Access to AI is already causing an "opportunity gap", whereby those from underprivileged backgrounds are not learning how to utilise the technology to their advantage. In other areas, there are concerns that increased AI use within organisations is leading to a drop in entry-level positions. Fewer than 20% of parents said they want their children to go into technology or digital role, and around 75% of children think it's important to work with tools"

"Previous research has found that girls are more concerned than boys about the future impact of AI, and parents are also concerned that AI will affect their children's ability to find a job in the future. There is already a significant technology skills gap in the UK, and according to Halfords, there is also a lack of skilled workers in the engineering, construction and mechanical repair sectors in the UK."

Parents are increasingly advising children to pursue practical, hands-on skills and soft skills as AI reshapes career paths. Halfords found 89% of parents have changed career advice, and half now recommend hands-on skills compared with two years ago. Parents and children express concern that AI could disrupt careers and make finding work harder, creating an opportunity gap for underprivileged backgrounds. Fewer than 20% of parents want children to enter technology roles, while about 75% of children value working with tools or machinery. The UK faces a technology skills gap and shortages in engineering, construction and mechanical repair.

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