Preparing students for an AI future

As artificial intelligence reshapes industries across Alberta, employers are increasingly seeking graduates with practical AI skills. To ensure post-secondary institutions are rising to meet that challenge, Alberta's government is establishing an expert panel with post-secondary and industry leaders to assess how AI is being integrated into post-secondary education, identify opportunities to better align graduate competencies with market needs, and deliver concrete recommendations to better prepare students for success.

"Artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping our economy and the workforce today's graduates are entering. Preparing Alberta students to succeed is essential for both learners and employers. That's why we're taking proactive steps and bringing together an expert panel to help ensure our post-secondary institutions keep pace with AI-driven change."

Informed by a recent Advanced Education roundtable with leaders from post-secondary institutions, industry and the innovation sector, the panel will begin its work in spring 2026, with findings expected within nine months.

In addition to examining AI adoption across the post-secondary system, the panel will assess impacts on graduates and occupations, review best practices from other jurisdictions, evaluate how well graduate AI skills align with market demands and identify opportunities to strengthen Alberta's global competitiveness.

"Bringing together voices from across post-secondary education and industry is an important step toward ensuring Alberta is prepared for the future. This panel will help guide thoughtful, responsible approaches to AI that strengthen learning environments and support the long-term success of students and institutions."

The panel will produce a report providing analysis of current practices, key strengths, opportunities for improvement and recommendations to better prepare students for the jobs of tomorrow.

Quick facts

• The panel will begin its work in spring 2026, with findings expected within nine months.
• Members of the expert panel are:
  • Nicole Janssen, chair
  • Stephanie Enders
  • Neeraj Gupta
  • Jessalyn Holodinsky
  • Michael Lim
  • Karl Pinno
  • Celia Wanderley
  • Aarn Wennekers
• In April 2026, Advanced Education hosted an AI roundtable of leaders from Alberta's post-secondary institutions and industry to discuss graduate readiness and workforce needs in a technology-driven job market.

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