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Using AI to advance skills-first hiring

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The deployment of artificial intelligence is already transforming the world of work, with emerging effects that include the displacement of entry-level workers, rising demand for new AI skills, and fundamental changes in how tasks are executed across industries. AI’s undoubtedly dramatic future impact is not just a function of the technology, but also of how individuals and institutions choose to use it. So, how might we use this engine of disruption—and opportunity—to shift its trajectory toward inclusive outcomes in the labor market?  

For decades, the bachelor’s degree has served as a proxy for employability for many middle- and high-wage jobs, effectively screening workers who are skilled through alternative routes (“STARs”) out of key economic mobility opportunities. Now, with the enhanced technological capabilities of generative AI, we can do better. We have the opportunity to replace that blunt proxy with something far more precise: a dynamic assessment of the actual skills of our workforce, as well as a better understanding of how workers acquire and deploy them in real time. Used this way, AI could just as well stand for “amplified intention.” If applied equitably and transparently, AI can help shift hiring systems from exclusion to inclusion—redefining opportunity in the 21st century labor market.  

Wires crossed: Understanding the broken labor market  

Before we assess how AI can change the world of work for the better, we must first examine the forces that led to today’s broken labor market. Today, over 70 million STARs form the backbone of the U.S. workforce. STARs were once the drivers and beneficiaries of a tremendous surge in upward economic mobility in the decades following World War II. However, in the early 2000s, upward mobility stalled, with deleterious effects on talent pipelines, family incomes, and the broader contract with the American working class. Much of this decline was the result of companies responding to changing technologies with talent management practices that had unintended and often unacknowledged consequences.  

In Opportunity@Work’s recently published “State of the Paper Ceiling” report, we explain that between 2000 and 2019, a “paper ceiling”—invisible barriers such as degree screens, biased algorithms, stereotyping, and exclusive professional networking—caused STARs to lose access to almost 7.5 million jobs that had traditionally provided pathways to upward mobility. This happened despite the fact that over 30 million STARs demonstrated skills for higher-wage jobs, as employers changed core business practices and began to rely on flawed algorithms to sort through applications and identify and evaluate talent. 

Rewiring the system: Progress in skills-first hiring proves what’s possible 

“State of the Paper Ceiling” offers a perspective on how to reverse this harm and expand upward mobility, with implications for our use of AI. Consider the aftermath of two recent crises. After the 2008 financial crisis, the downward trend for STARs accelerated as “screening out” by degrees proliferated. However, following the pandemic-induced contraction of 2020, STARs fared somewhat better; although they still lost more ground and recovered less quickly than workers with degrees, the decline was less severe. These two events were characterized by different fiscal and monetary responses that impacted labor market opportunities and wages, while the 2020 recovery was also influenced by a growing skills-based hiring movement. 

Over the past five years, Opportunity@Work has collaborated with partners across the nonprofit, public, and private sectors to launch the Tear the Paper Ceiling campaign, which highlights STARs’ contributions to the workforce and the barriers to mobility they face. Recognition of the “paper ceiling” has increased steadily since the inception of the campaign, with 38% of employers citing familiarity with the term and 15% of STARs self-identifying as STARs (both up from 0% pre-campaign). These shifting perceptions are a starting point for broader social change.  

Changes in organizational culture and practice, especially in large companies and government entities, require realignment of incentives and resources. They also take time, but these shifts in perception are beginning to drive important changes in behavior. Employers, policymakers, and STARs themselves are contributing to new models of inclusive hiring. Over half of U.S. state governments have committed to modernizing hiring practices to enable more STARs to enter middle- and high-wage jobs in the public sector. In the private sector, companies are testing and iterating skills-based hiring practices. And across both the public and private sector, HR technology companies are evolving their solutions to support these skills-first employers.  

‘Amplified intention’: Leveraging AI to rewire the labor market 

The U.S. economy is entering a profound technological and economic transition, one that requires intention to maximize societal benefit and minimize risk. So, we should think of AI as “amplified intention”—a technology designed to observe, replicate, and accelerate actions. In today’s labor market, if we direct AI to observe the patterns of the past, it will replicate the paper ceiling and accelerate its exclusionary effects. Instead, we should direct AI technologies to observe and understand workers’ skills and replicate skills-based pathways to accelerate the tearing of the paper ceiling, exponentially opening up opportunities to STARs and connecting employers to the skilled talent they need. 

What would that look like in practice? First, let’s support employers to use AI for inclusion. With the analytic power to review millions of job descriptions, job performance data, job transitions, and more, we have the ability to refine skill taxonomies for a better understanding of the skills needed for jobs and the many, varied ways those skills are attained. With this knowledge, we will be better equipped to support American employers to create new job categories, clarify skills-based pathways, and broaden access to jobs that require valuable but often overlooked skills.  

Second, let’s help workers leverage AI to adapt. In a labor market where new skills are emerging at a high velocity, where AI technologies are augmenting existing skills in workers, and where skills can create an increasingly agile workforce positioned for a wider range of roles, AI can also equip workers with the tools to keep up, enabling them to pivot more easily across tasks as demands shift. These technologies may very well serve to enhance—rather than replace—workers’ existing strengths.  

AI can supercharge a STARs-powered economy in this next generation. But because the broad use of AI promises to increase our reliance on algorithms, it is essential to consider the data and reasoning behind these algorithms in order to avoid the replication and amplification of past and present biases. If we succeed, this moment of disruption could serve as a moment of opportunity. 



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GPTBots.ai Showcases Business AI Agent Solutions at The

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44 minutes ago

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July 9, 2025

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HONG KONG, July 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — As enterprises worldwide race to adopt AI, GPTBots.ai made its mark at The MarTech Summit Hong Kong, Asia’s premier marketing technology conference attended by world-renowned brands such as JPMorgan, Yahoo, Nike, and DBS, alongside leading Hong Kong enterprises including Cathay Pacific, Hong Kong Disneyland, and The Hong Kong Jockey Club.

With 85% of enterprises prioritizing AI adoption in 2024 (Gartner), yet struggling with implementation gaps, GPTBots.ai demonstrated how its no-code AI Agent platform turns complex AI concepts into deployable solutions—without coding or data science teams.

Spotlight: Real-World AI in Action
At the summit, GPTBots.ai engaged with forward-thinking organizations, including:
A Top Hong Kong University: Their admissions team explored AI-powered chatbots to streamline student inquiries and application processes, aiming to:

  • Automate 80% of FAQs (e.g., program requirements, deadlines).
  • Guide applicants through form-filling with smart error detection.
  • Free staff to focus on students’ in-depth support.

A Leading Hong Kong Airline: Their tech team discussed internal efficiency AI Agents for:

  • AI search to make enterprise knowledge instantly accessible and empower every role.
  • Reducing IT helpdesk tickets by 50% via self-service troubleshooting.

Why GPTBots.ai Stood Out

  • Enterprise-Ready: Built to adapt to your business, no matter the size or complexity.
  • Proven at Scale: Powers AI Agents for financial services, healthcare, and retail giants.
  • End-to-End Capabilities: From strategy to deployment, we manage every step of your AI journey.

“The gap isn’t AI potential—it’s practical adoption,” said Tanya Quan, Marketing Director at GPTBots.ai. “We’re helping enterprises skip the lab and go straight to ROI.”

About GPTBots.ai
GPTBots.ai is an enterprise AI agent platform that empowers businesses to streamline operations, enhance customer experiences, and drive growth. Offering end-to-end AI solutions across customer service, knowledge search, data analysis, and lead generation, GPTBots enables enterprises to harness the full potential of AI with ease. With seamless integration into various systems, and support for scalable, secure deployments, GPTBots is dedicated to reducing costs, accelerating growth, and helping businesses thrive in the AI era.

To learn how GPTBots can accelerate your AI transformation, visit gptbots.ai.

Media Contact:
Contact: marketing@gptbots.ai
Website: www.gptbots.ai

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/9039b0e4-6355-4e0c-83d2-ca91953120f9



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Exploring AI and Emerging Technologies: A Special Event for UK Schools for Girls

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51 minutes ago

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July 9, 2025

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This was the second edition of the annual ‘AI Educational Revolution’ event. This hybrid event is co-organised by UCL Computer Science, GSA (Girls School Association) and Guernsey Ladies’ College. The series was developed as a way of inspiring secondary school girls to explore AI and STEM opportunities and to consider how they can shape their own futures in these rapidly evolving fields.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping industries across the globe, influencing everything from global politics to creative sectors such as fashion. This year’s event offered students a unique opportunity to learn about the role of AI in shaping the future, with a focus on how AI is revolutionising careers and education.

 

Keynote Speakers and Topics

Leading experts from UCL, the government, and industry took to the stage to discuss AI’s impact on various sectors. The session covered everything from AI in geopolitics to its creative applications, with a particular emphasis on how these technologies are influencing education, career paths, and social inclusion.

Predicting Our Future: The Role of STEM

Insight on AI and Geopolitics
Ms. Jo Miller, Director of Technology at the UK Civil Service, kicked off the event with a thought-provoking talk about the vital role STEM and AI play in global geopolitics and technological futures.

The Power of Women in AI
Jo highlighted the importance of women and girls in shaping AI’s future. She posed the question, “What do you want the future to say?” and encouraged the audience to engage with AI to influence its direction.

Overcoming Barriers in Tech
Drawing from her own career in tech, Jo shared how her humanities background didn’t hinder her success. She urged students to pursue their ambitions in tech, regardless of their starting point.

AI in Education: Shaping the Future

AI and Career Paths
Daniele Harford-Fox, Principal of Guernsey Ladies’ College, discussed how AI is reshaping both education and the workforce. She highlighted the significant impact AI could have on professions like medicine, where many tasks may be automated.

The Importance of Human Skills in Some Fields
While AI may transform many areas, Daniele pointed out that certain roles, such as nursing, will still require human expertise and care, stressing the importance of these skills in the workforce of the future.

AI in Multisensory Experiences

Engaging the Senses
Prof. Marianna Obrist (Multi-Sensory Devices Lab at UCL Computer Science) introduced the concept of “AI in Multisensory Experiences.” She showcased how AI is enabling new ways to interact with the world through multiple senses, creating richer, more engaging experiences.

Humanising Technology
Her research focuses on incorporating more ‘humaness’ into technology. Prof. Obrist demonstrated how sensory experiences are being used in places like retail outlets and museums, as well as in therapeutic settings, such as using scent to enhance body image perception.

AI in Fashion and Beauty

AI’s Impact on Creative Industries
Prof. Philip Treleaven from UCL discussed how AI technologies, including ChatGPT, are transforming the fashion and beauty sectors. He highlighted the use of AI to create digital influencers, automate processes like dexterous sewing robots, and help brands like Shein to capitalise on trends and produce designs at an unprecedented pace.

AI for Social Inclusion

AI’s Potential for Education
Steve Grix, an expert in GENAIE and CAPTR, concluded the talks by discussing the use of AI for social inclusion. He introduced GENAIE, a generative AI platform designed to personalise education for disadvantaged communities.

AI Bridging Educational Gaps
Steve demonstrated how quickly GENAIE could generate lesson plans, showcasing its potential to bridge educational gaps and offer new learning opportunities for students from diverse backgrounds.
 

UCAS Applications and Q&A Session

In addition to the expert talks, students were given guidance on making a UCAS application. The event concluded with a lively Q&A session, where students had the opportunity to ask questions and engage directly with the speakers. The students’ thoughtful and ethical questions impressed the expert panel, sparking deeper discussions about the future role of AI in shaping both careers and society.

When asked for final thoughts, some of the students concluded the concepts and predictions gave them cause to think, but they wouldn’t let it deter them from their career aspirations. 

As AI continues to revolutionise a broad range of industries, this event provides an invaluable platform for students to engage with the technologies that will shape their futures. It also highlighted the importance of diverse input into the development of AI and the opportunities for young women to drive change in this field.



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China’s first bachelor’s program in AI education to address teacher shortage-Xinhua

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1 hour ago

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July 9, 2025

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A student operates an AI-powered VR device at Shenzhen Xiantian Foreign Language School in south China’s Guangdong Province, March 21, 2025. (Xinhua)

BEIJING, July 9 (Xinhua) — Beijing Normal University (BNU) has launched China’s first undergraduate program dedicated to artificial intelligence (AI) education, aiming to address a critical shortage of specialized teachers in the field.

The initiative aligns with government directives to boost AI education across primary and secondary schools nationwide, the Science and Technology Daily reported on Wednesday.

In late 2024, the Ministry of Education issued a directive calling for measures to advance AI education in primary and secondary schools.

This year, Beijing’s municipal authorities issued a dedicated AI education plan for 2025-2027, demanding the establishment of regular teaching systems and standardized curricula.

“The shortage of qualified instructors and the lack of specialized training remain major obstacles,” said an official from BNU’s Faculty of Education, adding that the program’s core mission is to train educators equipped with both advanced AI technical skills and strong pedagogical expertise.

“We are leveraging our unique interdisciplinary strengths to cultivate talent that supports the country’s strategic drive toward intelligent education,” the official said.

Unlike purely technical AI degrees, BNU’s AI Education program integrates two essential knowledge streams. The curriculum combines an AI technology module, covering generative AI, machine learning, natural language processing, and educational data mining, with a foundation in education science, including learning theory, psychology, curriculum design and assessment.

The program also plans to introduce practical innovation courses, such as the application of AI technologies in education.

In addition, compulsory courses cover topics such as AI ethics and data security, instilling in students a core philosophy of “technology serving education,” according to BNU.

Beyond theory, the program fosters practical skills through a unique “university-enterprise-school” collaborative training model, which helps immerse students in real-world teaching environments and technical development projects.

Career prospects in the AI education field are broad, with graduates well-prepared to become AI or information technology teachers, driving digital transformation in primary and secondary schools.

The booming educational technology sector also needs their expertise to develop and refine AI-driven learning platforms and courses. Further career paths include academic research, educational management, and shaping AI education policy, according to the BNU’s Faculty of Education.

“AI advancements are reshaping society at unprecedented rates, profoundly altering education,” said Yu Shengquan, executive director of BNU’s Advanced Innovation Center for Future Education.

“Developing ‘digital citizens’ equipped for this new reality is now a central educational imperative,” Yu added.

The center has previously partnered with Chinese tech giant Tencent to develop a comprehensive AI knowledge framework and curriculum spanning elementary, middle and high school levels, according to Yu.  ■



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