We are living through a period of rapid transformation. While the notion of change itself isn’t new, what is new is the accelerating pace of technological advancement and its impact on the workforce. According to the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2025, technology is the greatest predicted disruptor of the current labour market.

Understandably, the rise of AI and automation may spark concern about the future of jobs. However, the reality is far more nuanced. While more tasks are becoming fully automatable, tasks that require collaboration between humans and machines are also growing. By 2030, it is predicted that tasks will be evenly split into three categories: those handled by people alone, those performed by machines alone, and those achieved through human-technology collaboration.

What does this mean for today’s students?

Contrary to fear-driven narratives, not all jobs are at risk. Technology excels at predictable tasks, leaving the unpredictable (and deeply human) domains to us.

As James Wright, Engineering Director at Seek, explains, machines struggle with “complex social interaction” and tasks requiring unpredictable “physical dexterity.” Careers involving human care, communication, or spontaneous problem-solving - like healthcare workers or tradespeople - remain solidly in human hands.

The opportunity, then, is not to resist change, but to evolve with it. Students should prepare for a future where working with technology is just as essential as working with people. Roles such as AI and Machine Learning Specialists will grow, but so too will more general roles that utilise technology to free up time for higher-order thinking and interpersonal engagement.

James Ross, Chief Technology Officer at Seek, highlights the need for a “digital mindset”- not deep technical expertise in every field, but a way of thinking grounded in adaptability, curiosity, and resilience.

Recommendations for Students Preparing for the Future of Work:

  • Develop a digital mindset
    Embrace change, be curious, and remain open to new technologies without needing to be a coding expert.
  • Engage with technology purposefully
    Identify areas in your work or study where technology can support you, and learn the tools relevant to your goals.
  • Be a lifelong learner
    Take initiative - watch a video, enrol in an online course, talk to a professional. If you don’t understand something, make it a goal to learn it.
  • Leverage your human strengths
    Build skills in analytical thinking, empathy, creativity, communication, flexibility, and leadership.
  • Focus on collaboration
    Recognise where human insight and machine efficiency can complement each other for better outcomes.
  • Stay flexible and ethical
    Decision-making in a tech-enabled world requires emotional intelligence, ethical awareness, and the ability to adapt.
  • Don’t fear change, own it
    Approach the evolving landscape with confidence. Your ability to learn, connect, and create is irreplaceable.

These very human qualities will always be vital – so be prepared to adapt, be prepared to learn, and above all, be human.

Learn how our Senior School programs, including the Specialist Futures Program, are preparing students for the careers of tomorrow – visit our Senior School page to find out more.

Type on the line above then press the Enter/Return key to submit a new search query