by marketing | Jan 31, 2025 | News @ ORT, Old News
Imagine waking up in 2030. Your coffee is brewed by a smart AI machine using water from air, your electric bike flies you to work, and your augmented reality glasses give you the latest weather and news updates. The world of work has transformed, and if the buzz at CES 2025 is any indicator, technology and innovation are leading the charge.
A recent report from the World Economic Forum (WEF) Future of Jobs 2025 provides a glimpse of what’s ahead. This article combines also insights from the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2025, which highlights how gadgets and technology will shape future careers. Here’s what it all means for you
The Robots Are Taking Over (and That’s a Good Thing!)
At CES 2025, robots were the stars of the show. From smart lawnmowers to AI-driven drug discovery platforms, technology is becoming deeply integrated into daily life. The WEF report agrees, predicting that by 2030, nearly half of all tasks will be split between humans and machines. That’s why tech-savvy roles like AI specialists, software developers, and robotics engineers are among the fastest-growing careers.
Whether it’s managing AI-powered smart factories or creating digital twins to optimize operations, the message is clear: understanding AI and its applications is essential.
𝐆𝐨𝐨𝐝𝐛𝐲𝐞 𝐎𝐥𝐝 𝐉𝐨𝐛𝐬, 𝐇𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐨 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐀𝐝𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐬
Some jobs, like data entry clerks and cashiers, are anticipated to be fading into the past. But that’s because exciting new opportunities will be taking their place. Green energy roles like renewable energy engineers and electric vehicle specialists are thriving as the world tackles climate change.
Here’s a surprising fact: the global gaming industry is expected to triple to $700 billion by 2030. But in South Africa, 80% of youth don’t know about career pathways in this booming sector. Designing games combines tech, creativity, and storytelling—a powerful mix that future employers will value. The gaming industry is also booming in places like South Africa. AI-powered game design tools are continually being introduced, making it easier than ever to create immersive gaming experiences. If you’re passionate about gaming, now is the perfect time to level up your skills.
𝐒𝐤𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐓𝐨𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐫𝐨𝐰
Skills are the currency of the future. According to WEF, nearly 40% of today’s skills will need an update by 2030. The demand is skyrocketing for analytical thinking, creativity, and tech literacy.
CES 2025 revealed a key insight: it’s not just about knowing AI but understanding how to design intuitive interfaces and seamless user experiences. Whether you’re coding games, programming robots, or developing smart home devices, user-centred design is a skill you can’t ignore.
𝐏𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐒𝐭𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐌𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫
Even in a tech-driven world, human connections remain vital. The WEF report highlights the growing demand for jobs in healthcare and education, driven by aging populations and expanding youth demographics. At CES, the latest AI-powered sleep aids and mental health apps proved that people-focused technology will thrive alongside traditional caregiving roles.
𝐓𝐢𝐩𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐍𝐞𝐱𝐭 𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧
1. Master AI: Dive into AI and data science. It’s not just a trend; it’s the future of nearly every industry.
2. Get Creative: Whether you’re designing games or smart gadgets, creativity is key. Focus on skills like UX
design and storytelling.
3. Think Green: Climate-focused roles like renewable energy engineering are here to stay. Get involved in the
green economy.
4. Stay Curious: Never stop learning. Online platforms like Coursera and tech showcases like CES are great
places to start.
5. Embrace People Skills: Whether in gaming, healthcare, or teaching, jobs that center around human needs will
always be in demand.
𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐢𝐠 𝐏𝐢𝐜𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞
The future of work is a mix of science fiction and sustainability. CES 2025 showed us a world where AI coffee machines using air to create water are the norm, and gaming careers can be as lucrative as traditional jobs. The WEF report reminds us that staying adaptable and curious is the key to thriving in this exciting future.
So, what’s next for you? Whether you’re building robots, designing games, or saving the planet, there’s a place for everyone in the world of 2030. The question is: where do you want to start?
Check the ORT SA website and Facebook page for opportunities to gain digital skills in collaboration with Cisco, IBM, and LinkedIn Learning, among others. The Big Data course offered by ORT SA in Gauteng and KZN promises to give you a strong start in the right direction. Visit our website at www.ortsa.org.za or join our vibrant Facebook group, ORT South Africa for more details.
by marketing | Jan 27, 2025 | blog, News @ ORT, Old News
Imagine waking up in 2030. Your coffee is brewed by a smart AI machine using water from air, your electric bike flies you to work, and your augmented reality glasses give you the latest weather and news updates. The world of work has transformed, and if the buzz at CES 2025 is any indicator, technology and innovation are leading the charge.
A recent report from the World Economic Forum (WEF) Future of Jobs 2025 provides a glimpse of what’s ahead. This article combines also insights from the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2025, which highlights how gadgets and technology will shape future careers. Here’s what it all means for you
𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐑𝐨𝐛𝐨𝐭𝐬 𝐀𝐫𝐞 𝐓𝐚𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐎𝐯𝐞𝐫 (𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐭’𝐬 𝐚 𝐆𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠!)
At CES 2025, robots were the stars of the show. From smart lawnmowers to AI-driven drug discovery platforms, technology is becoming deeply integrated into daily life. The WEF report agrees, predicting that by 2030, nearly half of all tasks will be split between humans and machines. That’s why tech-savvy roles like AI specialists, software developers, and robotics engineers are among the fastest-growing careers.
Whether it’s managing AI-powered smart factories or creating digital twins to optimize operations, the message is clear: understanding AI and its applications is essential.
𝐆𝐨𝐨𝐝𝐛𝐲𝐞 𝐎𝐥𝐝 𝐉𝐨𝐛𝐬, 𝐇𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐨 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐀𝐝𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐬
Some jobs, like data entry clerks and cashiers, are anticipated to be fading into the past. But that’s because exciting new opportunities will be taking their place. Green energy roles like renewable energy engineers and electric vehicle specialists are thriving as the world tackles climate change.
Here’s a surprising fact: the global gaming industry is expected to triple to $700 billion by 2030. But in South Africa, 80% of youth don’t know about career pathways in this booming sector. Designing games combines tech, creativity, and storytelling—a powerful mix that future employers will value. The gaming industry is also booming in places like South Africa. AI-powered game design tools are continually being introduced, making it easier than ever to create immersive gaming experiences. If you’re passionate about gaming, now is the perfect time to level up your skills.
𝐒𝐤𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐓𝐨𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐫𝐨𝐰
Skills are the currency of the future. According to WEF, nearly 40% of today’s skills will need an update by 2030. The demand is skyrocketing for analytical thinking, creativity, and tech literacy.
CES 2025 revealed a key insight: it’s not just about knowing AI but understanding how to design intuitive interfaces and seamless user experiences. Whether you’re coding games, programming robots, or developing smart home devices, user-centred design is a skill you can’t ignore.
𝐏𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐒𝐭𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐌𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫
Even in a tech-driven world, human connections remain vital. The WEF report highlights the growing demand for jobs in healthcare and education, driven by aging populations and expanding youth demographics. At CES, the latest AI-powered sleep aids and mental health apps proved that people-focused technology will thrive alongside traditional caregiving roles.
𝐓𝐢𝐩𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐍𝐞𝐱𝐭 𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧
1. Master AI: Dive into AI and data science. It’s not just a trend; it’s the future of nearly every industry.
2. Get Creative: Whether you’re designing games or smart gadgets, creativity is key. Focus on skills like UX
design and storytelling.
3. Think Green: Climate-focused roles like renewable energy engineering are here to stay. Get involved in the
green economy.
4. Stay Curious: Never stop learning. Online platforms like Coursera and tech showcases like CES are great
places to start.
5. Embrace People Skills: Whether in gaming, healthcare, or teaching, jobs that center around human needs will
always be in demand.
𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐢𝐠 𝐏𝐢𝐜𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞
The future of work is a mix of science fiction and sustainability. CES 2025 showed us a world where AI coffee machines using air to create water are the norm, and gaming careers can be as lucrative as traditional jobs. The WEF report reminds us that staying adaptable and curious is the key to thriving in this exciting future.
So, what’s next for you? Whether you’re building robots, designing games, or saving the planet, there’s a place for everyone in the world of 2030. The question is: where do you want to start?
Check the ORT SA website and Facebook page for opportunities to gain digital skills in collaboration with Cisco, IBM, and LinkedIn Learning, among others. The Big Data course offered by ORT SA in Gauteng and KZN promises to give you a strong start in the right direction. Visit our website at www.ortsa.org.za or join our vibrant Facebook group, ORT South Africa for more details.
by marketing | Dec 2, 2024 | News @ ORT
Students from Mbongeni Mgugudu Secondary School in Tsakane, Johannesburg, have defied the odds, achieving a remarkable third-place finish in the prestigious World ORT YEP (Youth Entrepreneurship Program) competition. This achievement is especially noteworthy considering the challenges they faced, which their competitors “couldn’t imagine.”
“Coming from a township where opportunities are often limited, they’ve proven that talent and perseverance can overcome even the toughest odds,” says YEP facilitator, Anele Mkungela.
Mbongeni Mgugudu Secondary School had to overcome significant hurdles to succeed in this global competition. The lack of access to computers and reliable internet in their classrooms posed a major obstacle. However, armed with tablets and connectivity provided by ORT, they persevered, demonstrating exceptional dedication by “scouting for connectivity outside school hours and in unconventional places.”
Despite these challenges, the Mbongeni team, comprised of Grade 9, 10, and 11 students, rallied around their innovative idea, “Agrivision” – a prototype device designed to empower small-scale farmers with knowledge and real-time information. Their commitment to supporting this vital yet often overlooked group in South Africa’s food supply was evident throughout their YEP journey.
The World ORT YEP (Youth Entrepreneurship Program) competition challenges students to create innovative products or services that address pressing social issues. The program simulates the process of real-world entrepreneurship, taking students through the stages of brainstorming, market research, business plan development, and culminating in a polished pitch.
In a remarkable display of resilience, the Mbongeni students not only triumphed in the first round of the competition but also secured an impressive third-place finish overall, competing against schools from Peru, Argentina, Brazil, and South Africa.
Mkungela further emphasizes that “their success isn’t just about winning a competition, it’s a story of hope and possibility that I hope will inspire other young people to dream big, embrace new challenges, and never give up.”
The impact of the YEP program extends beyond the competition itself, empowering students with valuable entrepreneurial skills and fostering personal growth.
A student, Mapitso Mkwayi, expresses gratitude for the opportunity to develop ideas that could benefit communities, stating, “Being part of the program enabled me to develop ideas that could help or grow different communities.”
The Mbongeni team’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of education and the boundless potential that resides within young minds. Their success in the YEP competition serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration, demonstrating that with determination and the right support, even those facing significant challenges can achieve extraordinary things.
by marketing | Oct 30, 2024 | blog, News @ ORT
Embracing AI in Education: ChatGPT, Google NotebookLM, and the Future of Learning
In today’s fast-paced world, staying up-to-date with technology trends is essential across all industries. The rapid evolution of AI and automation has not only transformed business operations but has also reshaped the skills required to thrive in various fields. The introduction of ChatGPT and other large language models in late 2022 captivated the world, showcasing how this technology could enhance productivity across sectors. However, it also sparked debates about its implications in education, particularly in schools and universities. Many educational institutions initially attempted to block the use of these tools, only to realise that a more effective approach would be to incorporate AI into learning environments rather than resist it.
As schools and universities grapple with students’ use of ChatGPT for answering questions and writing essays, it has become clear that traditional assessment methods may no longer suffice. This transformation demands a rethinking of educational strategies, emphasizing the development of educators’ skills and attitudes toward AI.
A significant development in this space is Google’s NotebookLM, a tool that merges AI with personalized learning to enhance educational engagement. Unlike ChatGPT, which offers generalized AI assistance, NotebookLM allows students to create, organize, and explore information interactively, leveraging Google’s advanced search and knowledge tools. This encourages students to actively participate in learning rather than passively consume information, as they can interact with the AI to clarify concepts, ask follow-up questions, and build structured notes. Educators could see potential in NotebookLM to foster deeper comprehension and critical thinking, marking a shift from simply solving academic tasks with AI to enriching the learning journey itself.
ORT SA, an educational NGO, is leading the way in adapting to these changes in education. ORT SA works with schools from previously disadvantaged backgrounds, providing various programmes to build a skilled youth workforce for the Fourth Industrial Revolution. The Let Kidz Code Programme has been empowering schools to incorporate Coding and Robotics since 2015, impacting thousands of learners and hundreds of teachers through Coding and Robotics clubs—setting trends well before the Department of Education introduced a curriculum for Coding and Robotics. ORT Tech in the Classroom also assists teachers in keeping pace with these changes, helping them integrate tools like ChatGPT and Google NotebookLM into teaching and learning.
As AI-driven tools like ChatGPT and NotebookLM continue to gain traction, there is a pressing need to build our skills and adopt these resources to better prepare students for a future where AI literacy will be as essential as digital literacy. Embracing these tools and adapting curriculum accordingly will empower students and teachers alike, ultimately integrating AI as an ally in modern education.
by marketing | Oct 30, 2024 | News @ ORT, Old News
In today’s fast-paced world, staying up-to-date with technology trends is essential across all industries. The rapid evolution of AI and automation has not only transformed business operations but has also reshaped the skills required to thrive in various fields. The introduction of ChatGPT and other large language models in late 2022 captivated the world, showcasing how this technology could enhance productivity across sectors. However, it also sparked debates about its implications in education, particularly in schools and universities. Many educational institutions initially attempted to block the use of these tools, only to realise that a more effective approach would be to incorporate AI into learning environments rather than resist it.
As schools and universities grapple with students’ use of ChatGPT for answering questions and writing essays, it has become clear that traditional assessment methods may no longer suffice. This transformation demands a rethinking of educational strategies, emphasizing the development of educators’ skills and attitudes toward AI.
A significant development in this space is Google’s NotebookLM, a tool that merges AI with personalized learning to enhance educational engagement. Unlike ChatGPT, which offers generalized AI assistance, NotebookLM allows students to create, organize, and explore information interactively, leveraging Google’s advanced search and knowledge tools. This encourages students to actively participate in learning rather than passively consume information, as they can interact with the AI to clarify concepts, ask follow-up questions, and build structured notes. Educators could see potential in NotebookLM to foster deeper comprehension and critical thinking, marking a shift from simply solving academic tasks with AI to enriching the learning journey itself.
ORT SA, an educational NGO, is leading the way in adapting to these changes in education. ORT SA works with schools from previously disadvantaged backgrounds, providing various programmes to build a skilled youth workforce for the Fourth Industrial Revolution. The Let Kidz Code Programme has been empowering schools to incorporate Coding and Robotics since 2015, impacting thousands of learners and hundreds of teachers through Coding and Robotics clubs—setting trends well before the Department of Education introduced a curriculum for Coding and Robotics. ORT Tech in the Classroom also assists teachers in keeping pace with these changes, helping them integrate tools like ChatGPT and Google NotebookLM into teaching and learning.
As AI-driven tools like ChatGPT and NotebookLM continue to gain traction, there is a pressing need to build our skills and adopt these resources to better prepare students for a future where AI literacy will be as essential as digital literacy. Embracing these tools and adapting curriculum accordingly will empower students and teachers alike, ultimately integrating AI as an ally in modern education.
by marketing | Oct 29, 2024 | News @ ORT
In today’s fast-paced world, staying up-to-date with technology trends is essential across all industries. The rapid evolution of AI and automation has not only transformed business operations but has also reshaped the skills required to thrive in various fields. The introduction of ChatGPT and other large language models in late 2022 captivated the world, showcasing how this technology could enhance productivity across sectors. However, it also sparked debates about its implications in education, particularly in schools and universities. Many educational institutions initially attempted to block the use of these tools, only to realise that a more effective approach would be to incorporate AI into learning environments rather than resist it.
As schools and universities grapple with students’ use of ChatGPT for answering questions and writing essays, it has become clear that traditional assessment methods may no longer suffice. This transformation demands a rethinking of educational strategies, emphasizing the development of educators’ skills and attitudes toward AI.
A significant development in this space is Google’s NotebookLM, a tool that merges AI with personalized learning to enhance educational engagement. Unlike ChatGPT, which offers generalized AI assistance, NotebookLM allows students to create, organize, and explore information interactively, leveraging Google’s advanced search and knowledge tools. This encourages students to actively participate in learning rather than passively consume information, as they can interact with the AI to clarify concepts, ask follow-up questions, and build structured notes. Educators could see potential in NotebookLM to foster deeper comprehension and critical thinking, marking a shift from simply solving academic tasks with AI to enriching the learning journey itself.
ORT SA, an educational NGO, is leading the way in adapting to these changes in education. ORT SA works with schools from previously disadvantaged backgrounds, providing various programmes to build a skilled youth workforce for the Fourth Industrial Revolution. The Let Kidz Code Programme has been empowering schools to incorporate Coding and Robotics since 2015, impacting thousands of learners and hundreds of teachers through Coding and Robotics clubs—setting trends well before the Department of Education introduced a curriculum for Coding and Robotics. ORT Tech in the Classroom also assists teachers in keeping pace with these changes, helping them integrate tools like ChatGPT and Google NotebookLM into teaching and learning.
As AI-driven tools like ChatGPT and NotebookLM continue to gain traction, there is a pressing need to build our skills and adopt these resources to better prepare students for a future where AI literacy will be as essential as digital literacy. Embracing these tools and adapting curriculum accordingly will empower students and teachers alike, ultimately integrating AI as an ally in modern education.
