College uses AI to give students glimpse into their jobs of the future

Glasgow Clyde College has helped students see into the future by using AI to imagine them in the jobs they may have in 20 years time. Using cutting-edge Artificial Intelligence software the College has transformed photographic portraits of students into lifelike recreations of some of the career opportunities which will be commonplace over the next two decades.

From a robotic engineer which may be a pathway for anyone studying Electrical Engineering to an avatar designer for fashion alumni, staff at the college combined AI’s predictions with expert forecasts to match their course offering with some of the futuristics jobs which will be the norm by 2045. They then used AI to create ultra realistic images of the potential workspaces and even how the students might look performing roles in years to come.

The labour market is predicted to rapidly evolve with new sectors and opportunities emerging as the rate of technology changes at pace. According to the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2023, employees will work in tandem with continually innovating machines and tools like virtual or augmented reality alongside AI will become commonplace for the workforce of tomorrow. 

Many of the jobs which may be prevalent in 20 years time are yet to exist but Glasgow Clyde College has identified lots of the crossover skills from courses which are taught today.

A recent study by the thinktank Public First, commissioned by Google, reported that almost two-thirds of jobs would be enhanced by the potential offered from AI, saving the average worker 100 hours per year -  the biggest improvement to worker productivity “since the arrival of Google Search”.

Jon Vincent, Principal at Glasgow Clyde College said: “We’ve been able to use some of the most advanced AI technology available to transport our students into potential jobs of the future. 

“Helping them visualise what working life in 20 years might look like not only provides inspiration for the next steps after life at Glasgow Clyde College, as well as offering new possibilities about what roles will be available down the line.

“Technology is progressing at a pace never before seen and we provide a wide range of courses to help prepare anyone studying at the college for the workplace of tomorrow.”

Enabling students to creatively visualise their career options is a proven technique to encourage motivation, help with goal-setting and boost academic performance. 

The full list of roles spotlighted are:

• AI and Machine Learning Specialists: As AI and machine learning technologies advance, there will be a high demand for experts who have studied Computing to develop, implement, and maintain these systems.

• Virtual Reality experience illustrator: Technical drawings have traditionally been 2D despite the complexities they need to recreate. Anyone studying illustration will have a whole new dimension to explore.

• Robotics engineers: Designing and building advanced robots for various industries will be a new avenue for Electrical Engineering graduates.

• Virtual Reality Educators: VR is set to revolutionise the classroom so Glasgow Clyde College’s Entry to Teaching students may eventually want to create immersive learning experiences for their pupils.

• Avatar stylist:  With virtual fashion set to be a booming industry as demand to style characters in the metaverse increases, Fashion and Textile students will be presented with new opportunities.

Glasgow Clyde College currently offers pioneering courses including HND Software Engineering with Emerging Technologies and Esports. Staff also incorporate TeacherMatic into their daily routines to improve efficiency, boost productivity, and foster innovation. 

Find out more about courses with places still available to start in August.

Students featured:

• Angaddeep Singh- Computing - AI and Machine Learning Specialist
• Vanessa Kelly - Illustration - Virtual Reality experience illustrator
• Sara Plaza - Electrical Engineering - Robotic Engineer
• Ashley Milligan - Entry to Teaching - Virtual Reality Education
• Andrew Jack - Fashion - Avatar stylist