The latest Future of Jobs Report by the World Economic Forum suggests that the rapid evolution of machines and algorithms in the workplace could create 133 million new roles between now and 2022. Here are three approaches we’re taking to prepare our future workforce. 

Engage students early and often. 

• iNERDE programs provide students access to technology and educational programming. Many students around the world just need ongoing exposure and encouragement to enter into STEM fields. There’s an expression that says, “if you can see it, you can be it.” Allowing students to learn more about STEM gives them an opportunity to pursue it as a serious career. This is imperative, since the field of STEM is both crucial for the future and growing rapidly. Introducing STEM into their curriculum early on can help inspire students to use those skills in the future. 

Tap into “non-traditional” talent pools that could get overlooked. 

• People on the autism spectrum often have key skills required for success in the tech industry – such as attention to detail and strong math skills. The Neurodiversity Hiring Program provides career readiness training for individuals on the autism spectrum, with the potential for full-time career opportunities in critical areas such as cyber-security, data analytics, software engineering. Investing in, hiring, and training adults with autism is not only the right thing to do, it makes clear business sense. Including more autistic adults in the tech industry is both practical and a victory for neurodiversity in the workforce. 

Skill and reskill the workforce to help eager non-techies and techies alike 

• College and corporation partnerships ensure students have relevant and valuable skills upon graduation while allowing universities to accomplish high placement rates – a win for all parties. For both technical and non-technical students alike, these skills are crucial for success in this rapidly growing and changing world. Every student deserves the ability to learn about much-needed skills in the workplace. College-corporate partnerships are one way to ensure that all students have the necessary skills to succeed in the future.