Life is full of contradictions and this week’s chat is no exception. The two gents reflect on the knowledge, skills, understanding, attitudes and behaviours necessary for living in today’s world and the one that is coming.

Stan considers the challenges he has faced in rebuilding a family member’s bathroom. It has been a journey of discovery both for him and for those he has sought help from during the past three weeks. Frank reflects on the PM’s speech about AI and considers whether all of the connections have been made in terms of what is taught in schools and whether there is clarity on how to achieve this. The government wants growth and it will need to do more to ensure education delivers what the economy needs moving forward. So, the chat highlights a possible contradiction or does it?

Stan wants more traditional life skills so that young people can make the most of their lives as well as supporting the drive for economic growth whereas Frank wants to focus fully on the future where AI will be a key feature. But, all of these aspects are central to successful personal and national futures. We definitely need greater clarity on all of this and a shift away from viewing the academic route as the preferred route.

This is where the PM missed a trick, in our opinion.

We hope you enjoy the chat.