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Experts discuss potentials, risks, and educational responsibility.
How can artificial intelligence (AI) support young people on their path from school to work – and where are its limits? This central question was the focus of the OloV expert forum on the transition from school to work , which took place on Tuesday, November 25, in the district council meeting hall in Kranichstein. The forum was organized by the Youth Career Guidance/OloV office of the Darmstadt-Dieburg district and the Youth Employment Service office of the City of Darmstadt .
Under the motto "Digital transformation in the transition from school to work: Impulses, opportunities and risks through artificial intelligence", the conference offered insights from a technical, educational and social perspective.
AI as a tool – humans remain indispensable
, Dr. Christian Lannert (TU Darmstadt) explained how AI works using a vivid image: a finished wooden board in the middle – and countless tools around it. Previously, people had to operate all these tools themselves; today, AI can take over many steps if it is clearly instructed.
His core message: "Humans remain indispensable because they set the direction."
This opens up a wide range of applications for schools:
- Creation of individual competence profiles
- Support in creating application documents
- Simulation of various professional and work situations
- Support for teachers in differentiation and preparation of teaching materials
Young people use AI – with healthy skepticism
Lannert presented current survey results:
More than a third of young people already use AI, primarily for research or schoolwork. At the same time, many express a critical attitude , which Lannert explicitly welcomes:
Critical questioning is crucial for the responsible use of AI.
Furthermore, young people want more instruction on the functionality, opportunities, and risks of AI.
Career choice: An emotional and social process
The experts emphasized that the transition from school to work requires particularly sensitive support. Career choice is not a linear, rational process , but rather shaped by emotions, social influences, and chance.
Young people primarily seek recognition, belonging, and a place in society.
AI can offer guidance – for example, through personalized recommendations or digital advisory services. However,
it does not replace personal conversation , which builds trust, addresses uncertainties, and takes individual life situations into account.
Personal proximity remains key
Christel Sprößler , the county's social and youth affairs officer,
added "The world is changing rapidly and we must keep pace. But personal contact is especially important during the transition from school to work." She
also emphasized the importance of ensuring that AI not exacerbate inequalities , but rather breaks down barriers – particularly for disadvantaged young people.
Barbara Akdeniz, also emphasized the responsibility of adults:
"Youth work is relationship work. Young people need to be accompanied so that they can use information in a reflective way."
The use of AI is still in its infancy.
Many schools and institutions are still in the very early stages of using AI. They often lack concepts, experience, and trained specialists. For AI to truly deliver added value, it requires further training for educators , career counselors, and social workers who understand the opportunities and limitations of the technology.
Conclusion of the expert forum
AI can be a valuable tool – if its use is responsible and embedded in an educational framework that focuses on personal guidance, social responsibility and equal opportunities
(DARMSTADT – PSD/LADADI)
