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AI CERTs launches ATP program to address global AI skills shortage
AI CERTs has introduced the Authorized Training Partner (ATP) Program to solve the systemic risk of 'Adoption Without Capability' in artificial intelligence. Citing a projected 90% critical skills gap by 2026, the initiative offers a framework for training providers to deliver role-specific, globally accredited AI certifications. The program aims to reduce failed AI initiatives and data leakage risks by ensuring personnel possess the necessary skills to operate AI securely and efficiently, contrasting this with ineffective traditional training methods.
China aims to cultivate AI ambition from primary school students
Chinese students are increasingly integrating domestic AI tools into their education. In Shanghai, a primary student uses Alibaba's Tmall Genie for scheduling, while a student in Hangzhou utilizes a smart pen for math analysis. Schools employ AI for nutrition tracking and teacher training. Beijing leverages these technologies, including DeepSeek, to achieve AI self-reliance and drive high-value innovation, targeting global technological leadership.
AI curiosity no longer differentiates professionals in 2026
In 2026, AI proficiency is no longer defined by curiosity or basic prompting but by the ability to design automated workflows and systems. Employers now seek candidates who integrate AI into institutional processes to handle 30-40% more workload without increased effort. The performance gap has widened between those using AI for tactical tasks and those building self-correcting systems that automate low-value work, synthesize research, and monitor risks proactively. Pulse Recruitment highlights this shift in the Australian job market.
Former Salesforce AI CEO Clara Shih urges students to embrace failure and adapt to AI economy
Clara Shih, former Salesforce AI CEO and current senior advisor at Meta, delivered a talk at Stanford University on Wednesday. She advised Gen Z job seekers to embrace failure, maintain authenticity, and actively adapt to the AI-driven economy. Shih highlighted that nearly half of recent graduates work in jobs not requiring their degrees and warned against over-reliance on AI. She launched the New Work Foundation to help students navigate these challenges. The event was co-hosted by the Stanford Institute for Electrical and Electronics Engineering and Cap and Gown.
Minnesota DEED awards nearly $1.6 million in grants to colleges for workforce development
The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) announced $1.6 million in grants from the Minnesota Jobs Skills Partnership program to seven educational institutions. These funds support partnerships with local businesses to develop customized training programs covering AI integration, robotics, leadership, and upskilling. The initiative aims to enhance workforce skills and retain high-quality jobs within the state.
University of Virginia launches AI Literacy and Action Lab to teach by doing
The University of Virginia College and Graduate School of Arts & Sciences, in partnership with the UVA Library, launched the AI Literacy and Action Lab to embed AI competency into courses. The initiative includes faculty-led pilots, a one-credit seminar, and an incubator pathway. Developed by Dean Leo Lo, the lab focuses on five core competencies: technical knowledge, ethical awareness, critical thinking, practical skills, and understanding societal impact. The approach prioritizes learning by doing over traditional study to address rapid AI adoption among students and growing employer demand for relevant skills.
Google reports 130 per cent rise in Italian searches among Nigerians
Google data from March 2026 reveals a 130 per cent increase in Nigerian searches for Italian language learning over the past year. Concurrently, interest in Japanese, painting, calligraphy, and guitar lessons surged. The trend reflects a shift towards self-directed education supported by AI tools for tutoring and homework assistance. Google attributes this growth to expanded digital access and mobile technology in Nigeria's ICT sector, with users adopting AI as flexible learning aids.
Professor Harriet Dunbar-Morris calls for clear AI guidance to support student belonging
Professor Harriet Dunbar-Morris, Provost at the University of Buckingham and future Deputy President at South East Technological University, argues that generative AI is now integral to academic life. She emphasises the need for clear assessment guidance to reduce student anxiety and enhance belonging, rather than relying on detection software. The article highlights the importance of researching students' use of AI for emotional support and suggests that AI should assist staff in reducing workload to foster meaningful human connection. Dunbar-Morris concludes that the sector must design pedagogy that acknowledges AI's presence while maintaining academic standards and community.
UAE and Egypt lead Middle East in global AI visibility for student recruitment
New data from EduIndex reveals UAE and Egypt are leading the Middle East in AI visibility for student recruitment. The March 2026 report, tracking over 500 universities across seven AI models, identifies the Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport in Egypt as the regional leader. UAE institutions including Ajman University, Khalifa University, and UAE University secured top regional spots. The shift highlights the changing discovery channel for students from traditional search to AI platforms like ChatGPT and Gemini.
Kazakhstan partners with OpenAI to integrate AI into education system
Kazakhstan has partnered with OpenAI, Freedom Holding, and Bilim Group to integrate artificial intelligence into its national education system. Following a memorandum signed in November 2025, 165,000 ChatGPT Edu licenses will be distributed free of charge across preschool, secondary, technical, vocational, and higher education institutions. The initiative aims to equip educators and students with AI capabilities to prepare for future workforce demands, with a focus on practical application, teacher training, and system-wide adoption.
Veer Narmad South Gujarat University refuses to punish students caught using ChatGPT
Veer Narmad South Gujarat University has decided not to impose traditional penalties on nearly 400 students caught cheating during its March 2026 exams. Instead of fines or bans, the institution will subject them to inquiry hearings and psychological counselling. The cheating involved various methods, including the use of mobile phones, hidden notes, and AI tools like ChatGPT. This approach, termed 'education with understanding', aims to address root causes such as academic stress rather than simply penalising malpractice. The decision has sparked debate regarding whether it promotes reform or weakens exam discipline.
Employers in Bulgaria increasingly require AI skills for recruitment
Bulgarian employers, particularly in large international and tech firms, are prioritising AI proficiency in hiring and daily operations. Reports from the World Economic Forum and LinkedIn indicate a global shift where AI skills are essential, with over 66% of employers planning to hire staff with specific AI capabilities. While AI is expected to create 11 million new roles by 2030, it may displace 9 million, driving a focus on continuous upskilling in data analysis, cybersecurity, and adaptability across various sectors.
Study finds AI grading system fails 1.2% of professional accounting scripts
A study evaluating the ALES automated grading system in a high-stakes South African professional accounting examination found the AI successfully graded 98.8% of 15,688 scripts but failed to grade 181 scripts (1.2%). While the system showed high agreement within one grade point of human examiners, exact agreement was low due to score compression. Confidence intervals provided by the AI had limited practical value for predicting accuracy. The research concludes ALES is suitable as a support tool for workload management and flagging scripts for review, rather than for autonomous grading in professional certification contexts.
Colleges and K12 districts pioneer new models to address workforce needs
Colleges and K12 school districts are developing intentional workforce pipelines to steer students into high-demand careers before graduation. Through coordinated efforts with state officials and employers, educators are expanding paid internships, apprenticeships, and dual-credit programs. Governors in Virginia, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, and Texas are backing these initiatives with grants and legislation to align K12 and higher education, aiming to alleviate labor challenges in sectors like healthcare, manufacturing, and skilled trades.
Lee Kwan Min outlines nine thinking frameworks for AI-era education
Lee Kwan Min, chair professor at Nanyang Technological University, argues that AI education must combine design, system, and computational thinking with human-centered, critical, and ethical perspectives. He cites examples like Stanford's neonatal device and Grameen Bank to illustrate human-centered innovation, while referencing the Theranos crisis to highlight the need for critical verification. The article calls for universities to redesign curricula to address real-world challenges responsibly, noting initiatives at Minerva University, SUTD, and Sungkyunkwan University. This approach aims to cultivate talent capable of solving complex problems in the AI era.
India faces gap in teacher training for modern classrooms
India's education system struggles to train teachers for Gen Z and Gen Alpha students who require interactive, technology-integrated learning. Despite the National Education Policy 2020 identifying teacher education as a critical reform area, the pipeline remains thin regarding quality and readiness. Experts note a disconnect between traditional training models and modern pedagogical needs, with many educators lacking exposure to inquiry-based learning and digital tools. While AI and edtech reshape student expectations, teacher preparation often focuses on credentialing rather than practical craft, creating a significant gap between global standards and local implementation.
