More than half of Scottish teenagers are actively seeking to learn skills they believe artificial intelligence (AI) cannot replace, according to new research. The findings suggest young people are already adapting their career ambitions to a rapidly changing job market.
A survey of more than 500 secondary school pupils aged between 13 and 18 found that 55 per cent are seeking to develop skills they believe AI will never be able to replicate. Meanwhile, 60 per cent said they are excited to learn skills that work alongside the technology.
AI's Growing Influence on Career Decisions
The study, commissioned by Glasgow Kelvin College to mark National Opportunity Day 2026, also found that AI is already influencing career decisions, with half (50 per cent) of respondents saying it has made them rethink their future job aspirations. More than half (53 per cent) said their school had encouraged them to use AI because of the opportunities it offers, showing how quickly the technology has become embedded in school education.
Results show AI is now a routine part of everyday life for Scottish teenagers. Half of those surveyed said they pay for a premium AI service, while 58 per cent believe they know when to use AI and when they should challenge themselves without it. The research also found that almost two-thirds (63 per cent) question what they see online more often because of the rise of AI, while 56 per cent believe they are good at spotting AI-generated images, writing and social media content.
Daily Use and Practical Applications
Artificial intelligence is also being used frequently by young people. More than nine in 10 (92 per cent) said they use AI at least two or three times a week, while just one per cent said they never use it. Half use the technology at least once a day, including nine per cent who said they use AI three or more times daily.
When asked how they use AI, almost a third (32 per cent) said they rely on it to find information or answer everyday questions. Around 29 per cent use it for homework, while 28 per cent use it to explain topics they do not understand. Others use AI to revise for exams (26 per cent), generate creative ideas (24 per cent), for entertainment (22 per cent), writing emails or messages (21 per cent) and coding or computer programming (20 per cent).
Perceptions of AI-Proof Careers
Despite embracing the technology, many teenagers believe practical people-focused careers will remain the safest from AI. Plumber topped the list of careers respondents considered to be "AI-proof", chosen by 31 per cent of those surveyed, followed by electrician and hairdresser or barber (30 per cent), nurse (29 per cent), mechanic and social worker (27 per cent). Chef and engineer were both selected by 26 per cent, while teacher and joiner each received 23 per cent. Meanwhile, just 1.7 per cent believed no career would be safe from AI.
However, the research shows mixed feelings among young people about the future. More than half (54 per cent) believe AI will create opportunities for their careers, while 55 per cent said they know it will affect their future but are not worried about it. Still, there is concern among young Scots: more than half (56 per cent) said they worry about AI's impact on their career prospects, with the same percentage believing it could make finding a job more difficult.
College's Response and National Opportunity Day
Robin Ashton, Vice Principal of Curriculum and Quality Enhancement at Glasgow Kelvin College, said the findings show teenagers are thinking carefully about how AI will shape their futures. He said: "What stands out from these findings is just how switched on young people are to AI and the impact it is likely to have on their future. They aren't simply using the technology, many are already thinking about where it can help them, where they need to rely on their own abilities and, importantly, which human skills are likely to become more valuable as AI develops."
Ashton continued: "There is sometimes a tendency to talk about young people as though AI is something happening to them, but these findings paint a more nuanced picture. This is a generation growing up with technology and learning how to navigate it. That doesn't mean there aren't challenges young people themselves recognise the risks of becoming over-reliant on AI and are concerned about what it could mean for employment - but they are also questioning what they see online, thinking about when AI is useful and considering how their own skills will need to evolve."
Ashton added: "That is where colleges have an increasingly important role to play. Glasgow Kelvin College gives people the opportunity to develop the practical, technical and interpersonal skills employers need, while also learning how emerging technologies can complement those skills. National Opportunity Day is about encouraging people to look at the opportunities available to them and think differently about where their talents could take them. As the world of work changes, having the confidence and skills to adapt will become more important than ever."
National Opportunity Day was created by Glasgow Kelvin College to showcase the range of education, training and career opportunities available to people of all ages. Originally launched to "recognise that opportunity does not follow a single path - and that education, skills and progression should be accessible at every stage of life." The campaign now aims to encourage people to consider different pathways into education and employment as the workplace continues to evolve alongside advances in AI.
