Long-term study: The rise of AI means more job opportunities for graduates of higher professional education
Higher vocational education (HBO) graduates already have a strong position in the job market shortly after graduation. The ROA report *Career Paths of HBO Graduates in Development*, published today, shows that this position continues to strengthen in the years following graduation. Four to eight years after graduation, HBO graduates earn significantly more, are more likely to have a permanent contract, and hold greater responsibility. In addition, the rise of AI primarily leads to new and changing tasks, while only a limited number of jobs are eliminated. Many alumni also continue to develop their skills through continuing education and retraining. “While there is often talk of jobs disappearing due to AI, this study shows that, on balance, higher vocational education graduates actually gain more tasks and responsibilities as a result,” says Maurice Limmen, chair of the Association of Universities of Applied Sciences.
AI is changing the nature of work, but is hardly leading to job losses among higher vocational education graduates
Artificial intelligence has now become a fixture in the workplace. More than six in ten working higher vocational education graduates use AI at least once a week. The technology is primarily changing the nature of their work. Among AI users, 28 percent report that their tasks have changed, while 15 percent see new tasks emerging. Only 7 percent say that tasks have disappeared. The study thus shows that, for higher vocational education graduates, AI primarily alters existing work and also creates new jobs, for example, in the areas of applying, monitoring, and implementing AI.
Continuing education is becoming even more important
Technological developments, including AI, are motivating many graduates to pursue further professional development. The survey results underscore the growing importance of retraining and continuing education. Many university of applied sciences graduates continue to invest in their professional development even years after graduation. Universities of applied sciences play a key role in this through continuing education programs, post-university of applied sciences programs, and other forms of continuing education and professional development. The higher professional education sector has long advocated for legally enshrining retraining and continuing education as a full-fledged public responsibility of universities of applied sciences. This should enable universities of applied sciences to provide sustainable support to many more working professionals in developing new knowledge and skills.
The Bigger Picture: Higher Vocational Education Graduates Continue to Advance Years After Graduation
After a strong start in the labor market, the career development of higher vocational education graduates continues in the years that follow. Four to eight years after graduation, unemployment has fallen further, more graduates have permanent contracts, and they are more likely to hold managerial positions. Their income also increases significantly: the median gross hourly wage (the midpoint) rises from €16.40 about a year and a half after graduation to €26.80 four to eight years later. The study thus shows that the labor market returns of a higher professional education degree are not limited to the first job but continue to increase in the years that follow.