I recently got asked what I think is a bigger threat to Bermuda’s workforce: immigration or artificial intelligence. I appreciate the question, but I think it may be the wrong one.

Maybe the better question is: How do we prepare people for an evolving workforce so they can compete in a global economy as technology continues to change the way we’ve traditionally worked?

We’ve had versions of this conversation before. When we talk about education, workforce development, immigration and even the cost of living, ultimately we’re talking about what Bermuda is going to look like 10, 15 or 20 years from now.

So let’s start with education. Is formal education providing students with the academic foundation and practical skills they’ll need for the economy we’re becoming, rather than simply the economy we have today? Are we teaching young people how to adapt, think critically, solve problems and use technology? More importantly, how do we prepare students for jobs and industries that may not even exist yet?

AI will undoubtedly change the workplace. Some tasks will disappear, some jobs will change and new opportunities will likely emerge. We’ve seen that happen throughout history as technology has evolved. The question is how Bermuda responds.

Where can we benefit from AI rather than simply fear it? What industries could technology help us develop? What skills should Bermudians be learning now? And are businesses, schools, Bermuda College and Government having those conversations early enough?

Then there’s immigration. We know Bermuda has an aging population. As more people retire, we’ll need workers to replace them while simultaneously needing more people to support an older population. If there aren’t enough Bermudians to fill those roles, where will those workers come from? Immigration may provide part of the answer. But could technology provide another part?

Maybe some of the jobs we assume will require additional workers will eventually be performed differently because of AI, automation and other technologies. At the same time, technology could create entirely new jobs requiring skills we aren’t currently producing enough of.

That’s why I don’t think the conversation should simply be immigration versus AI. Neither one exists in isolation. The real challenge is ensuring Bermudians aren’t standing still while the workplace around us changes.

We can’t predict every job that will exist 20 years from now. But we can prepare people to adapt. We can develop stronger critical thinkers, problem solvers, entrepreneurs and technologically capable workers who understand that learning doesn’t end when they leave school.

Maybe the biggest threat to Bermuda’s workforce isn’t immigration or AI. Maybe it’s failing to prepare for change.