by Gazette Reporter
Students across Holderness preparing for careers at Bishop Burton College say they are confident their practical skills will remain essential in an increasingly AI-driven world – because, as one puts it: “AI can’t deliver a lamb.”
Their views come as new research reveals widespread concern among teenagers and parents about how artificial intelligence could reshape the jobs market, prompting families to consider vocational careers.
A OnePoll survey of 4,000 UK parents of secondary school children aged 11 to 16 and their children, commissioned by Bishop Burton College, found 77 per cent of parents were worried AI would affect their child’s job prospects.
Two-thirds (66 per cent) said the rise of AI meant they were considering a more vocational career route for their child, while 46 per cent of young people said it had made them think about pursuing a more hands-on job.
The college has specialised in vocational and technical education for more than 70 years, offering courses in agriculture, animal management, engineering, construction, equine, horticulture and sport.
Students recognise that emerging technologies will increasingly become part of the workplace but believe many practical skills cannot be replaced.
Katy Cranston, a second-year T-level student in Agriculture, Land Management and Production (Livestock Production), said: “I can see why people are worried about AI. I think it’s a great tool, but AI can’t deliver a lamb, can it?
“On my T-level, I’m learning what is needed to succeed in my career choice and I can see how technology assists farming, but I also know where its limits are.
“AI won’t be impacting farming as quickly as some other careers, so I can see why parents and people my age are reconsidering their career choices and perhaps looking at agriculture.”
(Photos: Bishop Burton College)
Fellow student Bea Treetops, who comes from a farming family, said: “I just think AI can’t worm 400 lambs. It has its uses, alongside other technology, but the practical stuff will always be human and hands-on.”
Louis Horstwood, studying Crop and Plant Production, believes agriculture could attract more people looking for careers less affected by AI.
He said: “Let’s face it, AI can’t change the points on a plough. It might let you know there is a problem with them, but if the subsoil breaks them and you’re out in a field, it won’t be AI fixing it – it will be me.
“So, I don’t see farming being taken over by AI any time soon.”
Land-based engineering student Colt McGannon hopes eventually to take over his father’s business.
He said: “What I learn and what I do is so practical. AI isn’t going to replace me, my hands and my skills any time soon.”
Alice Harriman, another Livestock Production student, said concerns about AI could encourage people from non-agricultural backgrounds to consider farming careers.
While practical skills remain central to teaching, the college is embracing AI across its curriculum, including its use in agriculture to improve efficiency, sustainability and food production.
Examples include AI plant recognition for more precise chemical application and autonomous tractors using AI, GPS and computer vision.
The college recently secured £2.5 million from the Department for Education’s Construction Skills Capacity Fund to expand its Technical and Skills Construction and Engineering Centre.
The development will create almost 100 additional learner places and new workshops, alongside additional training opportunities.
Construction enrolments have risen by 21 per cent this year, marking the fourth consecutive year of growth.
Principal and chief executive Danny Metters said colleges needed to prepare young people for a changing employment landscape while championing vocational skills.
He said: “We absolutely embrace AI and new technology at Bishop Burton College because our students need to understand and use the technology they will encounter throughout their careers.
“But technology doesn’t remove the need for skilled people. Whether someone is caring for an animal, building a wall, repairing machinery, working with a horse or supporting another person, there are practical skills, professional judgement and human qualities involved that cannot simply be automated.
“That is why practical education matters so much. AI will undoubtedly change the workplace and our responsibility is to prepare young people for that change, while giving them the skills and experience employers need.”
The survey also found 67 per cent of young people were likely to consider an apprenticeship instead of university because of the money they would have to repay, while 45 per cent of parents said AI had prompted them to consider changing to a more vocational career themselves.
