The Education Committee has today
launched an inquiry into
the challenges posed and opportunities presented by
the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
The Fourth Industrial Revolution is characterised by the
emergence of a range of new technologies including artificial
intelligence, robotics and the internet of things. The changes
are likely to have a major impact on both productivity and the
labour market, with low and medium skilled jobs most at risk.
The inquiry will examine how best to prepare young people to take
advantage of future opportunities by looking at the suitability
of the school curriculum. It will also look at the role of
lifelong learning and how best to help people climb the ladder of
opportunity in the future.
Launching the
inquiry, Rt Hon , Chair of the Education
Committee, said: “Increased automation and
connectivity during the Fourth Industrial Revolution promise to
bring huge benefits to our economy by boosting our low
productivity rates. At the same time, they bring tremendous
challenges to the job market with potentially 28% of jobs taken
by 16 to 24 year olds likely to be at risk of automation by the
2030s.
We are already behind other countries when it comes to skills
and if we don’t prepare for the changes brought by the Fourth
Industrial Revolution we risk falling even further behind.
If we are to truly benefit from the development of new
technology, we must act quickly to make sure our education system
and curriculum is ready. We must prepare our current and future
workforce for new challenges, and ensure a focus on teaching the
right skills in our schools and colleges.
We know that those from disadvantaged backgrounds with low
basic skills are most at risk from automation so we must ensure
that the Fourth Industrial Revolution works for all by improving
social justice and giving everyone the chance to climb the ladder
of opportunity.”
Fourth Industrial Revolution – call for written
submissions
The Committee is inviting written
evidence on:
- The
interaction between the Government’s industrial, skills and
digital strategies;
- The
suitability of the current curriculum to prepare young people for
the Fourth Industrial Revolution;
- The impact
of the Fourth Industrial Revolution on the delivery of teaching
and learning in schools and colleges;
- The role of
lifelong learning in re-skilling the current workforce;
- Place-based
strategies for education and skills provision; and
- The
challenges and opportunities of the Fourth Industrial Revolution
for improving social justice and productivity.
The deadline for submissions is 21 June.
