29 April 2025
Preparing Students for the Future: What Google’s “AI Works 2025” Report Means for Schools
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is already reshaping the workplace, and its influence will only grow. As teachers, we have a crucial role in preparing young people for this new world. Google’s “AI Works 2025” report offers valuable insights into the skills and mindsets our students will need – and highlights the opportunities for education to lead the way.
What Does the Report Tell Us?
1. AI Could Greatly Increase Workplace Productivity
The report found that UK workers could save an average of 122 hours a year by using AI to assist with administrative tasks. In fact, adopting AI across the economy could add £400 billion to UK GDP over the next six years.
But making the most of AI will require more than just new technology – it will require workers (and future workers) to be confident, adaptable and ready to engage with these tools.
2.Support and Confidence Are Key
The research showed that with just a few hours of training and encouragement, workers’ confidence in using AI rose sharply. For example, among women over 55, AI use rose from 17% to 56% after a short period of support.
This tells us something important for schools: exposure, permission, and practice matter. Students (and staff) need time to explore AI in a safe, structured way.
3.AI in Education Is Growing
Across the education sector, more teachers are beginning to explore AI tools – not only to support their teaching, but also to introduce students to the possibilities and challenges AI brings.
CAS has already been leading important work in this space, helping schools and colleges to embed AI education into their curriculum. We offer resources, training, and guidance to help teachers feel confident introducing AI, and making links to the wider world of work.
How Can Schools Prepare Students for an AI Future?
Drawing on the report’s findings and our work, here are some practical steps you can take:
1.Embed AI Literacy Across the Curriculum
AI isn’t just for Computing lessons. Help students understand how AI affects everything from medicine to music. We provide structured materials that can support this cross-curricular approach, from introducing AI concepts to exploring real-world applications.
2.Discuss the Ethics and Impacts of AI
Today’s students will need to think critically about AI’s role in society. Use our guidance to spark discussions about bias, privacy, and fairness in AI systems. These conversations build not just knowledge, but also vital critical thinking skills.
3.Give Students Hands-On Experiences
Whenever possible, let students experiment with AI tools themselves. This could be through coding simple AI models, exploring machine learning activities, or using AI creatively in projects. We offer practical ideas and activities suitable for primary and secondary phases.
4.Support Staff Professional Development
AI is moving fast, and teachers need time and space to get up to speed. Our AI community events, webinars and professional learning opportunities are excellent places to start building your own confidence with AI.
5.Promote Adaptability and Lifelong Learning
AI will keep changing – and so will the skills needed to work alongside it. Encourage resilience, creativity, and problem-solving across your curriculum. These “future-proof” skills will serve students whatever technological changes come next.
Final Thoughts
The “AI Works 2025” report is clear: the future of work will be shaped by AI, and education has a vital role to play. By using our resources and support, teachers are well-placed to lead the way, ensuring that our students aren’t just users of AI – they are confident, critical, and creative contributors to the AI-driven world.
By making small changes now, we can help all students thrive in the workplaces of tomorrow.