Businesses express worry over 'severe deficiencies' in workforce possessing AI ethics and security competence
The world is witnessing a significant shift in the job market, with Artificial Intelligence (AI) playing a pivotal role. According to a recent report, seven of the ten fastest-growing IT roles are linked to AI, and this trend is being observed across various cities worldwide.
In the tech hub of Silicon Valley, AI jobs have seen a staggering 156% growth. Cities like London and Toronto are also experiencing a surge, mirroring the global trend. Emerging AI hubs such as Manchester, Lyon, and Vancouver are reporting a 70% job growth, highlighting the rapid expansion of AI in the job market.
However, the rise of AI is not just about numbers. It's about the skills required to navigate this new landscape. The report underscores the ongoing need for "human skills" such as communication, collaboration, leadership, critical thinking, and problem-solving. Andre Bechtold, President of SAP Industries & Experiences, emphasises the importance of security and ethics in the AI rollout.
The AI Workforce Consortium, led by Cisco and including tech giants like Google, Intel, Microsoft, and SAP, is at the forefront of addressing AI skills shortages and surging salary demands. The consortium aims to upskill and reskill 95 million people globally over the next decade. Francine Katsoudas, Chief People, Policy & Purpose Officer at Cisco, reiterates this commitment, stating, "As AI reshapes our world and work, people remain at the center."
Svenja Gudell, Chief Economist at Indeed, notes that AI is already starting to take over some roles completely. However, Himanshu Palsule, CEO at Cornerstone OnDemand, questions how to prepare people for the rapid changes AI promises to bring. Palsule is leading his company in advancing AI-enabled workforce solutions and strategic business goals related to AI adoption and skills development.
The consortium is offering a set of resources to help navigate this shift. These include a guide for responsible AI adoption, a database of curated courses, and an AI skills glossary. However, the report reveals serious skills deficits in areas such as large language models, prompt engineering, generative AI, AI ethics, and AI security.
A study from Stanford supports this assertion, stating that AI is indeed impacting the job market. Despite these challenges, the combination of technical expertise and human strengths like collaboration and leadership will shape a brighter future, according to the report. Francine Katsoudas reiterates the commitment to building a workforce ready for the new era of growth and giving people the opportunity to learn and contribute.
In conclusion, the AI revolution is transforming the job market, with a growing demand for AI skills across the globe. The AI Workforce Consortium is leading the charge in addressing these challenges, offering resources and committing to upskilling and reskilling millions of people over the next decade. As AI continues to reshape our world, the focus remains on preparing a workforce equipped with the necessary skills to thrive in this new era.
