Introduction

In an era where artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping the job market, Joseph Fuller, Professor of Management Practice at Harvard Business School, and Amanda Cage, CEO of the National Fund for Workforce Solutions, offer a crucial perspective in their op-ed “In the age of AI, we need a system of career navigation for all.” Their discussion on the impact of AI on jobs, especially for low-wage workers, and the role of AI in addressing occupational segregation, is crucial. However, one aspect that requires further emphasis is the need for equitable access to AI education across all societal levels. In this reflection, drawing upon my experiences in the public sector and consulting, I aim to build upon Fuller and Cage’s recommendations, particularly highlighting the often overlooked yet critical element of AI literacy as a key to navigating the future of work.

Impact of AI on Jobs

AI’s influence on jobs is profound, creating both opportunities and challenges. Fuller and Cage emphasize the importance of a strong career navigation system to help workers adapt to this evolving landscape, particularly vital for low-wage workers who are most at risk of being displaced by automation.

Building Transparent Career Pathways

Fuller and Cage stress the need for transparent career pathways, emphasizing that employers must consider how entry-level jobs can lead to higher positions, involving mapping these jobs to skills and communicating clear progression routes to employees. I agree that this approach is essential for attracting and retaining talent, and while employers often struggle with this task, resources like labor market insights tools and companies like PAIRIN are making significant strides in this area.

• Case Study: PAIRIN uses AI-powered tools to match people to optimal job profiles and training programs, identify individual skill gaps, and provide tools and resources to help develop those skills.

Expanding Career Exposure Opportunities

According to the authors, students often have limited knowledge of career opportunities. They advocate for career exposure starting in elementary school and continuing into adulthood for those pivoting careers. My experience echoes this, and I believe employers have a responsibility to help inspire learners about careers in their industry. A recent Gallup and Walton Family Foundation report shows that students exposed to four or five technology-related topics in classrooms are 5.3 times more likely to be employed in a STEM career.

• Case study: Manufacturing Day is manufacturing’s biggest annual opportunity to inspire the next generation, positively shift perceptions about the industry, and build the foundation for the manufacturing workforce of the future. Each October, thousands of manufacturers across the U.S. showcase the realities of modern manufacturing and inspire the next generation of creators.

Providing Information and Services Where They Are

Governments typically lack substantial marketing budgets for programs, so we can’t expect job seekers to come to us, as Fuller and Cage rightly point out. We need to reach job seekers in their spaces – libraries, community centers, faith-based locations, retail stores – and make our services accessible. As a government leader, it’s crucial to recognize and reduce barriers in our processes that might hinder access.

• Case Study: In August 2023, Goodwill Columbus opened a new location featuring a retail store, donation center, and job training center under one roof. This allows members of the community to donate, shop, and take advantage of free job training services on-site. Additionally, Goodwill Columbus has a presence in 14 Columbus Metropolitan Library locations, with plans to bring services to additional communities in 2024.

Building Foundational and Navigation Skills

Fuller and Cage highlight that as AI automates routine skills, human skills like decision-making and adaptability become more important. They advocate for experiential and work-based learning to develop these skills. In my experience, the success of such initiatives depends on employer partnerships and public programs that integrate these experiences into traditional learning.

• Case Study: EducationProjects.org recently launched a workshop for teachers on agriculture and medical biotechnology. During the workshop, participating teachers learned about global health challenges from experts. They also received classroom kits that enable students to collect data and design a treatment proposal for protein-energy undernutrition (PEU). Using an iterative engineering design approach to define the problem, create and test a prototype, and revise their solutions, students develop practical and human skills through applied learning in the classroom.

Investing in Career Coaching and Wraparound Support

Career coaching and wraparound support are essential at all educational and professional stages, and the authors suggest that wraparound services require systemic policy changes. Wraparound support is a term used for holistic services that support an individual job seeker as they pursue the next step in their career, and may include childcare, transportation, work attire, broadband access, personal finance coaching, and much more. Many community-based organizations offer these services, but they often rely on unstable funding sources such as grants and donations. Employers and governments can assist by providing benefits and creating policies that make these services more widely available. Such investments yield strong returns by helping workers remain employed and eventually afford these services on their own.

• Case Study: SHARE Mobility allows companies to attract and retain employees with commuter benefits. According to their website, 17% of frontline workers don’t have access to a car for a work commute. Since starting in 2016, SHARE Mobility has helped employers across industries invest in commuter benefits, with one manufacturer in Louisville, KY increasing employee retention by 62%.

Equitable Access to AI Literacy

While Fuller and Cage’s recommendations are pivotal, they miss a critical opportunity to discuss the importance of equitable access to AI literacy tools. Understanding AI is not just about knowing how to use it but also comprehending its societal impacts, potential benefits, and risks. Governments should play a role in ensuring citizens at all levels, including low-wage workers, have access to foundational AI knowledge. Similarly, companies should extend AI education to all employees, from entry-level to the C-suite, ensuring a comprehensive understanding across the organization. This approach will prepare the workforce not only for AI’s practical applications but also for its ethical implications and societal impact.

• Case Study: The AI Education Project (aiEDU) offers foundational AI literacy resources geared toward learners, teachers, and advocates, at no cost. If you’re interested in learning more about the critical work aiEDU is doing, you won’t want to miss the Workmorphis Wired episode featuring aiEDU CEO Alex Kotran. For companies, renowned AI expert Noelle Russell offers a free Generative AI Upskilling Guide that is a great first step for leaders with technical and non-technical backgrounds.

Taking Action

As we navigate the future of work in the age of AI, it is crucial for policymakers and business leaders to not only recognize but actively engage in shaping this future. We must move beyond passive observation to decisive action. Here are two urgent steps that need immediate attention:

1. Aggressively Implement AI Literacy Programs: It is essential for both governments and corporations to not just prioritize but aggressively implement AI literacy programs. Governments must integrate AI education into public systems and community initiatives, making it a fundamental part of the curriculum. For corporations, it is vital to embed continuous, comprehensive AI training at every level of the organization. This isn’t just an optional upgrade; it’s a necessary evolution for staying relevant and responsible in the AI era.
2. Proactively Foster Inclusive Workforce Development: Policymakers and businesses must proactively create and support initiatives that offer transparent career pathways and expand career exposure. This goes beyond mere encouragement — it requires active investment in educational programs, experiential learning, and partnerships that provide tangible support like transportation and childcare. It’s time to convert dialogue into concrete programs and collaborations that bring real change.

The future of work isn’t just a concept; it’s unfolding now, and our actions today will define its trajectory. Let’s commit to these steps, not as mere suggestions, but as imperatives for a future where AI enhances human capabilities, fosters inclusive growth, and drives sustainable economic development.

Meet the Author

Emily Fabiano is the founder of Workmorphis, a cross-sector workforce consultancy helping organizations build a more resilient workforce to thrive in a changing economy. Fabiano has deep experience in workforce transformation at the government level, working at the cross section of workforce strategy, economic development, and public policy. With a keen understanding of the unique challenges facing today’s and tomorrow’s workforce and the ability to communicate across sectors, Fabiano brings a new level of understanding and collaboration required to connect industry and education and prepare people for jobs. She is also the past director of strategy and operations at the Ohio Governor’s Office of Workforce Transformation.