“I’m a big proponent of the idea of lifelong learning, so you’re always your own life’s beta tester.”, says Sampo Leino, Head of Learning at MinnaLearn, about the current and future challenges of encouraging people to skill, reskill, and upskill in deep tech.
MinnaLearn, EIT Deep Tech Talent Initiative Pledger, develops AI teaching ‘kits’ that allow others to teach AI competence in their businesses. Elements of AI for Business is a 4-week learning programme that consists of online study materials and workshops implemented in cohorts of 10 participants, Minnalearn achieves a high engagement and completion rate.
“People get really engaged when working together.”
Why is it important to upskill?
By having an open mindset, Sampo finds it much easier for someone to build experience to adapt to their current position or find the next job.
“I’m open to acknowledging when I don’t know something, and that’s also why I’m excited to learn!”
Currently, there’s a huge demand for training in artificial intelligence (AI), because although AI tools have traditionally been considered deep tech, for example, algorithms, AI models, etc., it’s now become something that a lot more people can relate to or are using.
“We’re in the field of helping people understand AI as a tool, and while I don’t think AI will totally replace people, a person that can utilise AI well will be more effective than someone that can’t.”
What are the challenges in encouraging people to develop deep tech skills?
Sampo believes there are three main challenges that people face when deciding whether to develop skills, deep tech or otherwise: motivation, resources (time and money), and return on investment (is this useful for me).
Many people who start online courses don’t finish them, Sampo explains.
“It’s challenging for any training provider to motivate people to stick with their studies.”
Sampo highlighted that even those who have been through university struggle to finish things like a thesis, and “when you’re working where do you find time to study?”
He believes that’s a constant challenge, and an important question to answer.
The real challenge is to create a learning experience that people enjoy. “If you’ve ever had a great learning experience, you know how rewarding it can feel, you actually want to study. So why don’t more people feel that way? Our goal is to create content and experiences that make learning feel personally meaningful, not just something you do to graduate or meet a requirement. A lot of it comes down to designing education in a way that makes people feel like they’re learning for themselves.”
Sampo highlighted that another challenge, and often excuse, is that people worry studying won’t be worth it.
“They think, it’s going to cost me this much time and money, but what do I really get out of it? Even if you can’t measure the exact payoff, look at the people who did invest the time. They’re gaining something that you’re not. So, the real question is: can you afford not to learn it?”
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