By Eamonn Ryan
At the heart of the discussion around the future of work is one game-changing force: Artificial Intelligence (AI). According to Christabel Phiri, AI holds the potential to dramatically bridge the engineering skills gap – if harnessed strategically. This is part two of a two-part series.
“AI is not here to take our jobs,” she stressed. “It’s here to enhance how we work and streamline complex processes.”
Phiri highlighted how AI can revolutionise engineering education through:
- AI-generated content to aid learning (though still requiring human oversight)
- Personalised, adaptive learning paths tailored to each student’s pace and comprehension
- Enhanced learning outcomes across diverse skill levels and learning styles
These advancements could transform how mechanical engineering and technical education are delivered, helping students keep up with the fast-changing world of emerging technologies.
Yet despite these tools, the skills mismatch persists. Few educational institutions are actively engaging with industry leaders to identify in-demand skills like coding, automation, systems integration, blockchain and cybersecurity.
A striking image shared by Phiri – a cartoon of a worker trapped in a tight cubicle – drove home her point: outdated curricula are boxing in the next generation of professionals, stifling their potential to meet evolving industry needs.
She argued that technical education must now include:
- Coding and computer algorithms
- Automation and systems engineering
- Cross-disciplinary understanding (including business management for engineers)
- Advanced analytics and data-driven decision making
“A little bit of everything is better than most of one thing,” Phiri said, advocating for broad-based knowledge alongside deep specialisation.
The way forward? Collaborative curriculum development. Educational institutions must build stronger ties with industry, while governments must support re-skilling and upskilling initiatives to ensure the workforce keeps pace with innovation.
Phiri concluded with a powerful reminder: in a future shaped by rapid change, those who embrace continuous learning will thrive.
“To remain employable, we must take ownership of our learning journey. Industry, education and government must work together to build a workforce that’s not only knowledgeable – but truly future-ready.”