As artificial intelligence reshapes industries, employers and educators are shifting focus to the one area AI cannot replace: human ingenuity. While automation transforms job categories, businesses are looking beyond technical skills to prioritise adaptability, critical thinking and collaboration.
Daniel Nivern, CEO of Virtual Internships, emphasises the growing role of experiential learning in preparing future employees. “The future of work lies in experiential learning, where learners don’t just study AI—they use it to solve real problems in real companies,” he said. Virtual Internships, a global provider of remote internships, offers learners the opportunity to develop both digital fluency and interpersonal skills that remain essential in an AI-driven world.
According to the Business-Higher Education Forum, 83 million jobs may be displaced by 2028, but 69 million new roles will emerge, many of which will require human-AI collaboration. With companies increasingly adopting AI, the ability to work effectively alongside technology is becoming a core workplace requirement.
Developing Skills That AI Cannot Replace
The rise of AI has accelerated a shift towards skills-based hiring, with businesses valuing human capabilities that technology cannot replicate. A 2024 McKinsey report highlights how AI is automating routine tasks while creating roles that require creativity, problem-solving and cross-functional thinking.
However, these skills are not developed in traditional classroom settings. Immersive learning environments provide the practical experience needed to work effectively with AI. A study conducted by Virtual Internships found that critical thinking competencies among participants increased from 20% to 94% after completing remote internships.
Real-world experience is essential for preparing learners to interact with AI technologies. Microsoft and LinkedIn report that AI-related hiring has increased by over 300% since 2016, underscoring the growing demand for professionals who can integrate AI into workplace solutions.
AI in Action: Virtual Internships and Workplace Innovation
Virtual Internships connects learners with companies in more than 80 countries, giving them practical experience in applying AI across industries. These internships are designed to build digital fluency while also strengthening strategic decision-making and problem-solving skills.
One example is Abdulelah Rajeh, a University of the People student who completed a remote internship with ZirconTech, an IT company specialising in digital transformation services. During his internship, Rajeh applied AI models from Hugging Face to detect unattended luggage in crowded terminals and identify harassment language in digital communications. His contributions led to a full-time role with the company.
Martin Machin Cladera, Managing Partner at ZirconTech, noted the impact of the internship programme. “We’ve had the opportunity to work with incredible interns from around the world, supporting real-world AI projects across industries. Abdulelah’s work not only had a direct impact on our AI research but also led him to mentor other interns to continue his work.”
The Role of Educators and Employers in AI-Ready Workforces
Employers increasingly recognise the importance of soft skills alongside technical expertise. David Armstrong, former President of Broward College, highlights the need for work-based learning. “We often hear from employers that students have learned to be really good accountants, engineers, etc., with the knowledge they have developed at university and college, but they don’t always have the soft skills that they need to be able to contribute to the workplace, to collaborate, problem-solve and more. That’s where internships come in.”
For students from underrepresented regions, virtual internships offer an opportunity to gain global work experience. Rajeh reflected on his journey, stating, “Living in Yemen, I never imagined working for a foreign company due to the political challenges and the way others perceive us as a third-world country. However, Virtual Internships allowed me to prove that an individual’s potential is not defined by their country’s circumstances. I even ended up with a job offer from my host company.”
Work-Based Learning in an AI-Driven Future
As AI continues to change workplaces, human-centred skills will remain essential. Curiosity, empathy and creative problem-solving cannot be replaced by automation, making work-based learning a key element of future workforce development.
Nivern stresses the need for investment in these opportunities. “Now is the time to invest in meaningful, human-centred work experiences. By giving learners a chance to work with AI, we’re not just preparing them for the future—we’re ensuring they help shape it.”
