Ottawa, October 13, 2023 – The World Federation of Colleges and Polytechnics (WFCP) invites tenders or partners to produce a global statement and ethics framework with case studies outlining the opportunities and challenges to professional technical education and training (PTET) arising from Artificial Intelligence (AI).

Please see below for details, including project background, key deliverables, and submission guidelines.

Project Background and Purpose

AI is the simulation of human intelligence processes by machines. Rapid advancements in AI are revolutionizing virtually all industries impacting how and where work is being done. It is predicted that many current jobs could be replaced in-part or in-full by AI and that a new workforce and mentality about workforce training will be needed.

AI is clearly transforming the field of professional technical education, and training (PTET) and WFCP recognizes that AI is disruptive to the fundamental way PTET educational institutions function. The emergence and expansion of AI clearly involves great opportunity accompanied by great risks. AI provides opportunities to enhance the realm of education, benefiting both educators and learners alike. Opportunities include but are not limited to personalized learning experiences, personal tutoring, virtual and immersive reality and automated assessment processes. However, the usage of these tools brings with it risks and ethical concerns related to data privacy, security, algorithmic bias, and more yet to be considered.

The focus of this project will be to:

1. Identify the opportunities AI provides to enhance learning, teaching and equity of access to PTET. This would include a general overview of how AI is currently being used in the PTET sector as well as where it appears to be going in the future. The review of the current AI use in PTET will include case studies, insights into future developments and examples of AI tools such as generative AI that support PTET providers and the individual learner journey.

2. Provide recommendations for an ethics framework around the use of AI and its potential risks – this would touch on themes such as assessment, malpractice, data ownership and mitigating an increase in digital poverty (as we saw during the pandemic) across the globe.

3. Speak to PTET staff and administrators who are using AI tools highlighting the best practices in professional development with respect to artificial intelligence globally. A comprehensive look will need to explore how AI is expected to impact PTET and the workforce in the future.

WFCP seeks to appoint a researcher or research-allied institute to research and assist in preparation of the statement on its behalf.

The statement will be representative of all WFCP members and at the same time have application at national, sub-national and local levels. It should cast a forward-looking perspective. The statement should avoid being a simple collation of country experiences and will reflect common themes that have resonance and influence with national and international PTET policy. Specifically, the statement will analyze domestic and international AI-PTET examples and assess the influence of AI on workforce demands, thereby deducing strategies to address the necessary transformation of PTET.

Project Deliverables

The appointed researcher or partner organization will work with the WFCP Research and Publications subcommittee and be expected to produce a document outlining best practices as described above, as well as identifying the limitations of current practices. The document should include:

• Review of best practices in understanding AI technology and its opportunities for use as it relates to PTET,
• Review of best practices in understanding the limitations and risks of AI technology and how to overcome these (often including human-machine interactions),
• An exploration of PTET institutions and leaders should understand the fundamental change AI brings to institutions and how AI may interact with other emerging technologies (cloud and distributed computing, quantum computing, analog hardware design, etc.),
• Recommendations on the use of AI in workforce development in the interest of strengthening society and extending the potential of human beings.

This project will be delivered by way of online research. International travel will not be required. Meetings are likely to be conducted using virtual platforms. WFCP will be the primary owner of the products developed during this research but is open to partnership and to co-badging.

Alongside this work, WFCP intends to facilitate:

• The preparation of a minimum of 3 case studies from WFCP members outlining their responses; and
• A call for ‘foresight pieces’ to accompany the statement from individuals and institutions in the PTET sector on their views on AI.

Essential Criteria

A high level of English (native or near-native) proficiency is essential for this project. Applicants must be able to evidence a track record of policy research or development in PTET.

Budget

WFCP has budgeted for up to 20 days of work expected to be paid on a daily rate for a contracted individual or in the case of a partner organization a specifically agreed arrangement.

Submitting a Proposal

Please submit your response to this Invitation to Tender or Partner (ITTP) in the form of a letter introducing:

• your institute or your professional background (please attach a CV as required);
• your motivation in applying;
• the relevant experience and suitability for the project that you hold, including examples of similar work completed; and
• your proposed approach to the project.

Responses to this ITTP should be submitted no later than December 31, 2023 by email to secretariat@wfcp.org. If you require any further information or have any questions, please contact the WFCP Secretariat.

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About the World Federation of Colleges and Polytechnics:

The World Federation of Colleges and Polytechnics (WFCP) is an international network of colleges and associations of colleges.

WFCP provides leadership in delivering workforce education for our global economy and members share leading-edge education strategies and best practices to increase workforce employability in countries around the world.