Epsom College AI Debate
Posted on 15 January 2026
I was delighted to be Invited to Epsom College by my old computing teacher Sorina Biletchi to join a panel discussion on the future of AI and its impact on the IT career sector.
The panel was attended by 40 students and their parents from Epsom College and from other nearby schools.
Joining me on the panel was an amazing selection both from ex-Epsom College and from other schools through Sorina’s network:
Sorina had prepared a great selection of questions for the panel, however, they were graciously derailed by an excellent collection of questions from the audience. We covered a wide range of topics including Introductions from the panellists, our career paths, how we personally use AI, what our day-to-day is, how we feel AI is (or isn’t) impacting our sectors, CV advice, Life Advice and more.
The general consensus from the Panel was there is a lot of over Hype and Speculation around what AI is actually capable of and what it is doing to the industry, which in our collective experience is poorly represented.
We all use AI in our work, but it is not replacing our jobs or making us redundant. We are all using AI as a tool, some more than others.
However, our ability to be adaptable, having good people skills and a deep understanding of our field is what makes us effective in our roles and that cannot be replaced by AI.
Personally it was quite jarring to hear how the AI news has dishearnted so many students and parents from following their passions or getting into the IT field. The was a great deal of apathy in the room that the roads that laid In front of these student were crumbling and many of them did not want to start the journey.
The negative impact of the constant news cycles and Tech CEOs miss selling the capabilities of AI cannot be overstated, much of the session was about quelling these fears and giving the audience reassurance that the world is not falling apart.
The panel had a uplifting tone, and I’m hoping the parents and students walked away better better about their prospects and are more confident dismissing what they hear on the news.
After the panel in a very classic fashion there was tea and biscuits, my favourite part of any event. I had three particular students approach me with a keen interest in Cyber security which is always a delight and I provided them with some advice on getting into the field; going to Meetups, CTF events, tying Kali Linux, Hack the Box and my own Reading list.
I really enjoyed the event and I do hope to attend more at Epsom College in the future!
Epsom College have there own write up of the event which you can read here: https://www.epsomcollege.org.uk/news/ai-debate/
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