Artificial intelligence is moving quickly from something we talk about to something we use.

Across Guernsey, people are already experimenting with AI at work, businesses are considering what it means for productivity and roles, and leaders are asking a bigger question: how do we make sure our workforce is ready for what comes next?

This autumn, the Guernsey AI Sprint will bring that conversation to the fore through a programme of events designed to help the island explore, learn about and act on AI.

At the GTA, we are pleased to be playing our part with two workshops that look specifically at AI through the lens of people, skills and the future of work.

The AI shift: what does it mean for Guernsey’s workforce?

On Friday 9 October, GTA Chief Executive Simon Le Tocq will be joined by technology entrepreneur Ian Campbell and Emily the AI for a conversation about what AI could mean for Guernsey’s workforce.

And yes, one of the participants really is an AI.

Rather than trying to predict a distant future, the session will explore some of the questions employers and employees are already asking.

Will AI take jobs, or change them? Where could it make us more productive? What might people need to learn differently? And how should an island economy such as Guernsey prepare its workforce for a period of rapid change?

It should make for a lively conversation, but importantly, a grounded one. The aim is to get beyond some of the hype surrounding AI and think about what these changes could mean in practical terms for people and organisations here in Guernsey.

The session is open to employees and business leaders, and no previous knowledge of AI is needed.

Human skills, AI and the future of work

Our second workshop takes the conversation a step further.

If AI can increasingly undertake tasks that previously relied on people, which human capabilities become more important, not less?

On Tuesday 20 October, Emily Gill will explore exactly that.

Emily is a TEDx speaker, a Top 50 UK Women in Tech winner and co-founder of award-winning education technology company LEVRA. Her work looks at the intersection between AI and human capability, including the importance of skills such as critical thinking, judgement, creativity, resilience and problem solving.

The response to the session has already been encouraging with the original morning workshop selling out, so we have added a second lunchtime session to give more people the opportunity to attend.

For employers, there is a particularly important issue here.

AI can create efficiencies and take on work that previously occupied significant amounts of people's time. But adopting the technology is only part of the challenge. Organisations also need to think about the skills their people will need alongside it, how junior employees develop experience when some traditional entry-level tasks are automated, and where human judgement remains essential.

Emily's session will give business leaders and decision-makers a practical framework for thinking about that balance.

Skills are part of the AI conversation

For the GTA, taking part in the AI Sprint feels like a natural extension of the work we already do.

Our role has always been to help people and organisations develop the skills they need as the world of work changes. AI may be accelerating that change, but the underlying question is familiar: what does Guernsey's workforce need next, and how can we help people prepare for it?

The answer will not simply be more technical training.

AI literacy will matter, but so will leadership, judgement, communication, creativity, adaptability, critical thinking and the ability to keep learning.

There will inevitably be uncertainty as AI develops, but there will also be opportunities. Our focus is on helping Guernsey approach both with curiosity, confidence and a willingness to learn.

We are looking forward to being part of the conversation.

The AI shift: what does it mean for Guernsey’s workforce?
Friday 9 October, 8.15am to 9.15am

Human skills, AI and the future of work, lunchtime session
Tuesday 20 October, 12.30pm to 2.00pm

Both events form part of the Guernsey AI Sprint.

Visit ai-sprint.gg to explore the full programme and follow the GTA for further updates.