Artificial intelligence, automation and digital transformation are changing the workplace, forcing young people to rethink what they need to remain competitive in a rapidly evolving job market.
For many years, academic qualifications were considered the main gateway to employment. But employers are increasingly looking beyond certificates and degrees, placing greater emphasis on practical experience, adaptability, digital literacy and the ability to solve problems.
So, what skills will young people need as the future of work takes shape?
Why academic qualifications are no longer enough
A university or college qualification remains important, but having a degree does not necessarily guarantee employment.
Sarah Ngetha, Director of Career Services at Moringa, says employers increasingly want evidence that young people can apply what they have learned in real-world situations.
“We are seeing a shift towards demonstrated capability. Qualifications remain important, but employers also want to see how young people can apply what they have learned,” she says.
This means graduates may need to complement their academic qualifications with practical projects, professional portfolios, internships, apprenticeships and other forms of workplace exposure.
The challenge, however, is that many young people struggle to get their first opportunity because employers often require experience even for entry-level positions.
How AI is changing the skills employers want
Artificial intelligence is adding another layer to the changing labour market.
AI tools are increasingly being used across different industries to automate tasks, analyse information, generate content and improve productivity.
But learning how to operate the latest AI tool is unlikely to be enough.
Ngetha says young people need to understand how technology can complement their existing abilities while continuing to develop skills that remain useful even as specific tools change.
This means AI literacy is becoming increasingly important. Young workers need to understand what AI can do, where it can make mistakes and how to use it responsibly rather than simply relying on it to perform tasks.
Why adaptability matters
The careers of tomorrow may not follow the traditional path of studying, getting one job and remaining in the same profession until retirement.
As technology changes industries, workers may have to retrain, change roles or acquire completely new skills several times during their careers.
This makes adaptability one of the most important skills young people can develop.
“Continuous learning is becoming an essential career skill. Young people are preparing not just for their first job, but for careers that may change direction several times,” Ngetha says.
The ability to learn something new and adjust to changing circumstances could therefore become just as valuable as having specialised technical knowledge.
The importance of human skills
While technology is becoming more important, human skills remain central to the workplace.
Communication, collaboration, problem-solving, curiosity and critical thinking can help workers perform effectively in environments where technology is constantly changing.
These skills are also difficult to replace entirely with technology because they depend on human judgement, relationships and the ability to understand different situations.
For young people, developing both technical and interpersonal skills could therefore provide a stronger foundation for long-term career growth.
Why internships and practical experience matter
One of the biggest challenges facing young people is the transition from education to employment.
Internships, apprenticeships, graduate programmes, mentorship and work-integrated learning can help bridge this gap by giving young people exposure to real workplaces.
These opportunities do more than strengthen a CV. They can help graduates understand workplace expectations, identify gaps in their skills and learn how to apply classroom knowledge to practical problems.
For employers, such programmes can also provide an opportunity to identify and develop potential employees before making longer-term hiring decisions.
What should young people focus on?
The changing labour market suggests that young people should think beyond simply acquiring academic qualifications.
A stronger approach could involve combining education, practical experience, digital skills, human skills and continuous learning.
Young people can strengthen their career prospects by:
- Building practical projects and portfolios.
- Seeking internships, apprenticeships and mentorship opportunities.
- Developing digital and AI literacy.
- Improving communication and collaboration skills.
- Learning how to solve problems independently.
- Remaining open to retraining and acquiring new skills.
- Following changes in the industries they want to work in.
The bigger question for Africa
The future of work is particularly important for Africa, where millions of young people enter the labour market every year.
The challenge is not simply preparing young people for the jobs that exist today. Education systems, employers and policymakers must also consider how to prepare them for jobs that may emerge as technology and industries evolve.
“We cannot only prepare young people for the jobs that exist today,” Ngetha says. “The focus has to be on giving them practical experience, adaptable skills and a mindset of continuous learning.”
The message is clear: the future of work will not only belong to those with the most qualifications, but increasingly to those who can learn, adapt and demonstrate what they can do.
