Subscriber Benefit
As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe Now
Technological advancement and innovation show no signs of slowing, which means the future job market will undoubtedly be shaped by careers that don’t yet exist. As educators, we are on the front lines of academia, witnessing firsthand the rapid evolution of skills required to thrive in the modern workforce. This transformation calls for a robust, forward-thinking approach to education—one that prioritizes choice, adaptability, and comprehensive career and technical education programs.
In the coming decades, automation, artificial intelligence and other technological advancements will continue to reshape industries and create entirely new sectors. The World Economic Forum predicts that, by 2025, 85 million jobs might be displaced by a shift in labor between humans and machines, while 97 million new roles might emerge that are more adapted to this new division of labor. The challenge and opportunity for us as educators—and for you as corporate leaders—is to ensure our students are prepared not only to meet these changes but to lead in this new world.
Choice education provides students and their families with the flexibility to select educational pathways that best suit their needs and aspirations. This personalized approach to learning is crucial for developing the diverse skill sets required in an unpredictable job market. Virtual schools like Indiana Digital Learning School and Indiana Gateway Digital Academy offer a dynamic, adaptable curriculum that can quickly integrate new technologies and methodologies, preparing students for the future workforce.
Career and technical education programs—referred to as CTE programs—are integral to equipping students with practical, hands-on experience in fields that are critical to economic growth. These programs bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world application, providing students with the skills necessary to succeed in high-demand industries such as advanced manufacturing, cybersecurity, health care and more. By fostering partnerships with local businesses, CTE programs can ensure that the training provided is relevant, aligned with industry needs and complementary to the academic curriculum—putting theory into hands-on practice.
We urge you, as leaders in the corporate world, to actively support and invest in choice education and CTE programs. Your involvement can take many forms, from offering internships and apprenticeships to providing funding for state-of-the-art training facilities and technology. By collaborating with educational institutions, you can help shape curricula that meet the evolving needs of your industry, ensuring a steady pipeline of well-prepared, innovative workers.
The benefits of such investments are manifold. Companies that engage with and support education initiatives are better positioned to attract top talent and remain competitive in their fields. Furthermore, by contributing to the development of a skilled workforce, you are investing in the overall economic health of our community and beyond. This proactive approach not only addresses immediate labor shortages but also ensures long-term growth and stability.
Preparing students for jobs that don’t yet exist is a daunting but essential task. By embracing choice education and robust CTE programs and through the active support of the corporate community, we can equip the next generation with the skills and mindset needed to navigate and lead in an ever-changing world. We invite you to join us in this critical endeavor, ensuring that, together, we can build a future where innovation and opportunity are within reach for all.•
__________
Sliger is executive director of Indiana Digital Learning School. Callane is executive director of Indiana Gateway Digital Academy.
Please enable JavaScript to view this content.