Many job seekers worry about the future of technology, and how the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) will affect the number of available jobs. While pictures like this robot can make it seem that we are creating machines to replace humans, the majority of real-world applications are more similar to the picture below of a person assisted by software on a laptop.
In the UK, Oxford University has predicted that automation will put 35% of current jobs at risk. But in this same article, Gartner predicts that, although some jobs will be affected, even more jobs are going to be created by 2020. AI is still under much development.The best thing you can do to secure your future employment is to be aware of these trends and invest in skills development around relevant technology. The manufacturing sector in Ontario is currently looking for skilled employees, and it offers fast-paced, exciting job opportunities. Get to know the jobs that will be impacted by AI and move towards preparing for a job that will be assisted by the technology, so that you won’t need to worry about losing jobs to AI.
The unfortunate reality is that, yes, some jobs will be lost as AI enters the workforce. Similar trends were seen in the past with previous industrial revolutions, and recently with automation and digitization. Using a machine to perform repeatable tasks will become the norm in manufacturing.
AI is already being used to collect large quantities of data and determine patterns or learn trends based on the data. This technology is best suited for very well-defined, narrow scope problems. In other words, the machines are currently only good at simple, repeatable tasks. Example jobs likely to be easily replaced by AI include administration roles, project management, software application support, and help desks (think of bots answering questions on websites).
The benefit of AI is that it will actually assist one in five jobs by 2022. In other words, AI will help to make many people’s jobs easier, more effective, and more enjoyable. If the machine deals with gathering, analyzing, and predicting trends from massive amounts of data, you are free to use your skills as a creative individual. You can use that data within the manufacturing processes in order to improve safety or increase efficiency.
While AI will replace repeatable work, it cannot replace the problem-solving capacity of humans. Even defining problems requires a specific set of deduction skills that only people can currently perform. Examples of jobs in manufacturing that will be assisted by AI, but not replaced, include:
Now that you know all of this information, and that manufacturing technology is quickly evolving, the best thing you can do is invest in tech skills to assist you into the future. The jobs you are applying for may even provide on-the-job training or apprenticeships to support you in developing invaluable skills in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math).
Though you may have heard stories of people losing jobs to AI, the flip side is that there are even more exciting, high-tech careers being created. Manufacturers in eastern Ontario are investing in technology, and need people to support their cutting-edge operations. Databases specific to eastern Ontario even exist to make your search for the perfect position easy.
Once you’ve identified the position you would enjoy, plenty of training and education options exist to support the many job opportunities in Ontario’s manufacturing sector. You might even be surprised just how much more affordable life is when you work in eastern Ontario.
References:
https://www.itpro.co.uk/automation/30463/gartner-by-2020-ai-will-create-more-jobs-than-it-eliminates
https://www.itpro.co.uk/careers/28624/gartner-cios-must-balance-human-and-ai-skills