As artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics rapidly advance, the global job market is undergoing a significant transformation. By 2035, employers will prioritize practical, technology-driven competencies over traditional academic qualifications alone. Experts emphasize that introducing children to AI and robotics during their formative school years is crucial to equip them with a competitive edge for future employment.
The Changing Landscape of Future Jobs
The World Economic Forum's Future of Jobs Report 2025 highlights AI, robotics, big data, and automation as primary forces reshaping employment by 2030. This shift means that while many traditional roles will evolve, technology-centric positions are projected to experience accelerated growth. India, mirroring this global trend, shows a consistent increase in AI-related recruitment even amidst a moderation in overall hiring.
Industries spanning healthcare, manufacturing, finance, retail, logistics, and education are actively seeking professionals proficient in AI-enabled tools. Consequently, AI literacy is no longer confined to software engineers but is becoming an expected skill across diverse professional fields.
Why Early Exposure to AI and Robotics Matters
Manish Gupta, Business Head at SHARD Centre of Innovation (Jalsa Ventures), stresses the importance of early engagement with these emerging technologies. He argues that delaying AI introduction until higher education can disadvantage students, as many peers will have already accumulated years of practical exposure.
"By the time students reach higher education, many of their peers will have already gained years of practical exposure to AI and other emerging technologies. Today's children require early familiarity with AI tools, computational thinking, robotics and problem-solving, which will soon become as fundamental as computers and the internet," Gupta stated.
Beyond technical proficiency, early exposure cultivates vital soft skills such as curiosity, creativity, confidence, and adaptability—qualities increasingly valued by modern employers. Gupta suggests parents view AI and robotics learning as an enriching extracurricular activity, akin to sports or music, rather than solely a specialized engineering path.
Building Employability for Tomorrow
Industry reports indicate a growing shortage of AI professionals in India, a gap expected to widen without accelerated AI skilling initiatives. Students who engage with AI and robotics early often develop robust project portfolios and hands-on experience before even entering higher education. This practical foundation can significantly strengthen college applications, enhance internship prospects, and make graduates more attractive to employers.
Gupta explains that a resume featuring AI and robotics projects immediately distinguishes a candidate. "Employers increasingly value demonstrated capabilities over purely theoretical knowledge. Students with prior exposure to AI tools adapt more quickly, contribute sooner and position themselves for stronger long-term career growth, leadership opportunities and even global mobility," he added.
As AI becomes as fundamental as digital literacy, preparing children for the future workforce involves more than just selecting the right academic institution. Equipping them with adaptable technological skills and strong problem-solving abilities will be paramount for thriving in the dynamic job market of 2035 and beyond.