Education entrepreneur Michael Black is calling for a sweeping overhaul of Australia’s curriculum, warning that without early exposure to artificial intelligence (AI), students will be unprepared for the jobs of tomorrow.
“AI isn’t coming – it’s already here,” Black said. “It’s taking jobs, transforming industries and rewriting the rules of success. If we don’t prepare our kids now, we are failing them.”
Black, founder of Success Tutoring, believes many school subjects no longer serve today’s learners. He argues the curriculum still reflects a workforce model designed for the 20th century and needs urgent reform.
“We’re still teaching subjects and skills designed for a 20th-century workforce,” he said. “That’s not just inefficient – it’s negligent.”
He proposes embedding AI education across all subjects, beginning in primary school. While some institutions restrict AI use, Black believes it should be treated as a foundational skill, much like reading and writing.
“Kids should learn how to use AI the same way they learn to read and write because their future depends on it,” he said.
AI as a core skill
According to Black, AI is already transforming industries such as media, finance, logistics, and administration. Entry-level roles are disappearing, and students must be equipped with skills that align with emerging job demands.
“AI is a career accelerator for those who embrace it,” he said. “We’re talking about teenagers graduating into a job market that already demands AI fluency.”
Beyond technical knowledge, Black advocates for teaching AI through real-world applications: critical thinking, ethical decision-making, creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving.
“It’s a universal tool and one of the most powerful learning companions we have.”
Addressing teacher concerns
Black also acknowledges fears within the education sector, where some teachers are wary of AI replacing their roles.
“The reality is that AI is going to take jobs away in the teaching sector as well. We know this,” he said. “Failing to adopt AI learning in schools because you are scared of losing your job yourself is short-sighted.”
He stresses that AI education does not mean increased screen time or replacing teachers, but rather empowering students to use tools responsibly and effectively.
A call to action
Black is urging policymakers to audit the national curriculum and replace outdated content with AI education, introduced as a standalone literacy.
“If we don’t teach AI, we’re not preparing students – we’re protecting a system,” he said. “And that system is already outdated.”
Black says embracing AI in classrooms is key to unlocking better outcomes and preparing students for a future already taking shape.