OECD's recommendations: bridging the gap in AI education

OECD's study results

According to an OECD study, about 33% of advertised jobs were among those with high exposure to AI, 50% among medium-exposed, and 17% among low-exposed. Subsequently, in April the OECD published recommendations for bridging gaps in AI education, which can also be an inspiration for Slovakia.

Lack of AI basic skills focus courses

Although about a third of job vacancies are strongly affected by the advent of AI, only 0.3% to 5.5% of courses in the countries surveyed featured an AI theme. Moreover, most of them focused on advanced technical skills, although only around 1% of positions were required.

Instead of specialized experts, companies also need employees who understand the basic principles of AI, its capabilities, risks and ethical context. This is important in order to be able to carry out current activities more quickly and at a higher quality level. The results of the survey suggest that workers who encounter AI but do not need to program it do not have a sufficient education offer.

Unbalanced public support between professionals and the wider population

Of the 21 countries surveyed, 14 had separate programmes to support AI education. However, two-thirds of them are intended for developers and professionals. Only a third of the target is for a wider population that needs basic orientation in new technology. Exceptions are, for example, Austria, which organises thousands of local workshops for different age groups, or Hungary, with its online course “AI challenge”, which brings the foundations of AI closer to the general public. At the same time, the OECD points out that most government incentives are related to course financing, but other tools – such as career guidance or partnerships with firms – are rarely used.

Barriers to entry the courses are too high

AI courses are less available online and their content often requires prior technical knowledge. This is a problem especially for low-skilled workers or people from risk groups. The OECD recommends expanding the offer of simpler courses that reduce barriers to entry – for example in the form of short bootcamps, hybrid learning or modules oriented towards the practical use of AI at work.

OECD's general recommendations

In its April report, the OECD proposes a number of concrete steps to help better prepare workers for the changes brought about by AI. One of them is a more targeted focus of financial support – so that contributions are explicitly directed to AI courses. In addition, it is important to make greater use of non-financial tools such as career guidance, cooperation with companies and training of lecturers.

It is also crucial to reduce entry barriers for participation in courses, especially for people without technical education. It would help to expand simple, accessible courses focusing on basic AI literacy. At the same time, the OECD recommends extending flexible forms of education – such as evening, online or combined courses – to allow better access for a wider population.

Inspiration from the Czech Republic

The Czech Republic performs better than Slovakia in several AI indicators. We touched on this in part in the article here. Her simple and administratively undemanding system of education allowances is also inspiring. Candidates choose state-sponsored courses from an ‘eshop’. There are about 80 AI courses on offer (general, applied, online, in-person and others). Participants can receive a financial contribution of up to CZK 50 000 for 3 years, with a minimum participation of 18% of the course price. The whole process can be completed fully online and the vast majority of applications are approved.

Opportunity for employees from Slovakia

In Slovakia, the Digital Coalition within the Digital Counsellor project helps employees manage changes due to automation and AI. In line with OECD recommendations, we provide career guidance and partnerships with companies. Advice to employees is based on the results of internationally recognised tests that reveal their strengths. If you are interested in getting these services reimbursed by the EU, you can pre-register at this link . If you are interested in these services for your employees as a company, write to us at info@digitalnyradca.sk. The number of places is limited.

Author of the text: Miloš Moravčík