The University of Aberdeen is set to deliver a free, three-day programme to help organisations seeking to navigate the rapidly evolving world of work shaped by artificial intelligence, hybrid working and shifting talent expectations.
With at least one market trend report* suggesting ‘your next hire might not be human’ and the rise of agentic AI seeing bots managing teams of bots, how do we as human workers respond to such a radical shift in the workplace?
At a moment when organisations across all sectors are asking whether they possess the capabilities needed to thrive in an AI driven era, the Core Skills for the Future of Work event will equip professionals, teams and organisations with the tools for long term success.
Hosted by the Business School and taking place from 3-5 June 2026, the micro‑credential programme will draw on the latest insights from global consultancy research and emerging workplace trends. It will combine expert talks, interactive workshops and practical case studies focused on five essential pillars for future‑readiness:
- Understanding core talent market trends
- Developing purposeful working relationships
- Why critical thinking skills are the number one priority
- Diagnosing and overcoming sources of miscommunication
- Must‑knows for managing a team of AI agents
Participants will leave with enhanced awareness of global and local labour market shifts, proven methods for improving collaboration, refreshed critical‑thinking capabilities and practical guidance on working alongside AI systems and agentic tools.
Delegates will hear from an exceptional line‑up of speakers from academia, industry and the innovation ecosystem:
- John Storm, Director of MBA at the University of Aberdeen, who will talk about global talent market trends
- Adetayo Adeyemi, Innovation Specialist at Scottish Enterprise, will focus on Scotland’s innovation and AI landscape
- Professor Donald Hislop, Sociology of Work & Technology at the University of Aberdeen, will lead a presentation on future of work trends
- Ali Bayat, Management Scholar and Data Scientist at the University of Aberdeen, will discuss critical thinking for evidence‑based decision making
- Yaji Sripada, Co‑founder of Arria, will explore the fundamentals of agentic AI
- Mark Tabrett, Founder of Inginuiti, will share his experience of managing teams of AI agents
- Pete Preston, Solutions Architect at Absolutely AI, will talk about ethical AI adoption
- Alex Mackrell, Entrepreneurship and Innovation Champion at the University of Aberdeen, will talk about human resilience in the age of AI
The programme will also feature real‑world case studies from event sponsors Honeywell and Aberdeen Football Club. As part of this, Murray Collie, Mindset Development Officer at Aberdeen FC Community Trust, will explore the use of analytics in evaluating and developing football players.
John Storm, Director of MBA at the University of Aberdeen, emphasised the strategic importance of the programme for local and regional employers: “AI is no longer a future consideration, it is the operating reality of modern business,” he said.
“Organisations that understand how to harness AI, while strengthening the uniquely human skills that drive innovation and leadership, will be the ones that thrive. This event gives the business community an invaluable opportunity to gain clarity, build capability and access practical insights that they can take straight back into their organisations.”
Participation at the in-person event is free but places are limited. Secure your place here.