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APCDA PodcastAuthor: Felicity Brown and Samantha Ng
APCDA Podcast is an enrichment platform for association members to pursue continued learning and development. For questions and comments, email podcast@asiapacificCDA.org. Language: en Genres: Education, Science, Social Sciences Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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S6 Ep5: APCDA Podcast S6E5: Not DONE yet! Artifical Intelligence in Career and Workforce Development
Episode 5
Sunday, 1 November, 2026
Episode SummaryWhat does it take to build a future of work where no generation is left behind? In this episode of the APCDA Podcast, Dr. Deirdre Hughes joins Samantha and Michael to explore lifelong career development through the connected worlds of policy, research, and practice. Drawing on her own journey from Northern Ireland to becoming a researcher, career practitioner, and accidental entrepreneur, Deirdre discusses why workers aged 55 and older are “not done yet,” how intergenerational workplaces benefit everyone, and why access to meaningful work requires shared action from individuals, employers, and governments. She also shares practical lessons on entrepreneurship, insights from developing an all-age careers framework in County Durham, and findings from research into AI and career development. Throughout the conversation, she makes the case for using AI for social good while keeping human connection, professional judgement, and ethical practice at the heart of career support.Episode Chapters Welcome to On the Mic With Thought LeadersMeet Dr. Deirdre Hughes and discover how she connects policy, research, and practice to improve people’s experiences of learning and work. From Northern Ireland to a Career in Career DevelopmentDeirdre reflects on growing up during the Troubles, experiencing unemployment, entering university as a mature student, and finding her way into the profession. Not Done Yet: Rethinking Work After 55Moving beyond employment statistics, Deirdre explores whether older adults can access rewarding work and the support they need to navigate later career transitions. “The Sun Never Goes Down in My World”A memorable encounter challenges assumptions about ageing and opens a discussion about the value of intergenerational workplaces. Supporting Older Workers Is a Shared ResponsibilityGovernments, employers, and practitioners each have a role in addressing barriers, making career support visible, and helping people recognise their strengths. Lessons from an Accidental EntrepreneurDeirdre shares advice on believing in your service, finding a mentor, managing the learning curve of business ownership, and building relationships through reciprocity. Building an All-Age Careers FrameworkHer work in County Durham explores how economic policy and social priorities can come together around the needs of local people. Listening to Young People Who Feel Left BehindFrom transport barriers to unanswered applications, Deirdre examines the experiences that can erode hope and the importance of involving young people in designing support. Making the Case for Investment in Career DevelopmentCommunity partnerships, participant voices, and evidence of return on investment help demonstrate why accessible career services matter. AI and Career Development: The Human Core Is Non-NegotiableResearch with Canadian practitioners challenges the assumption that the profession resists AI, while highlighting the need for caution, ethical judgement, and human involvement. Building a Careers Chatbot with PractitionersDeirdre describes the development of CareerChatUK’s chatbot and why professional expertise and the option to connect with a human adviser belong in its design. Careers 2035: What Gives Us Hope?Possible AI futures raise questions about inequality, access, and professional practice. Deirdre explains why research, AI literacy, and a commitment to social good offer reasons for optimism. Evaluating AI-Powered Careers AdviceA University of Warwick research project investigates different approaches to careers advice, including practitioners working with and without AI. The Career Lesson Deirdre Wishes She Had Learned at 22Reflecting on her own transitions, Deirdre highlights the importance of knowing where to find support and recognising that career development is a lifelong journey. A Question for the Next GuestWhat should professional associations do more of, and what should they do less of? Closing Reflections: Connection, Curiosity, and HopeSamantha and Michael reflect on the conversation’s lessons for practitioners, entrepreneurs, and the wider career development community.
