Tasks increasingly done with help from robotics, data analytics, virtual worlds
Over 11.2 million employees, or 95% of Australia's workforce, will be impacted by critical technologies, including artificial intelligence, according to a report from the Australian Computer Society (ACS).
Critical technologies include generative AI, additive manufacturing, advanced data analytics, advanced robotics and sensors, additive manufacturing, cyber security, enabling cloud technology, Internet of Things, and virtual worlds, according to the ACS.
"The impact of critical technologies on Australia's workforce will be all-encompassing," said its report.
"Almost every worker – 95% or 11.2 million employees – will be affected as tasks are increasingly accomplished with the assistance of AI, robotics, advanced data analytics, virtual worlds, additive manufacturing and advanced communications."
It added that at least half of Australian businesses will be using these technologies by 2030, with 1.8 million new tech skills also needed.
This means Australia needs 1.3 additional skills, or 445,000 more tech skilled workers at a minimum, for the workforce to adapt to 10 critical technologies.
"That's a net increase of 60,000 tech workers each year. Who are these workers? What mix of skills do they need? Are they even 'tech workers' as we know them?" the report said.
New roles underway
As critical technologies also mature, the report noted that "additional, unforeseen, exciting roles" will likely be underway.
"Take AI conceptualisation: This will require AI ethicists, personality designers, algorithm bias auditors – tech jobs either not available right now, or which may have roots in functions such as design, production, compliance, and finance," the report read.
But without reskilling among the workforce, the report found that the tech labour shortage would cost Australia $16 billion by 2030.
To address the upcoming skills challenges to the workforce, coordinated effort of businesses, industry, government, unions, and education providers will be required.
"We need national, state, and territory digital skill strategies and roadmaps that enable us to identify and track progress to address reskilling needs across the whole workforce," the report read.
"We need a systems approach that connects IT graduates and professional workers so they can become part of Australia’s next-generation technology workforce. We need career transition schemes, better mechanisms to allow skilled migrants to bring their knowledge into our organisations, and to foster inclusivity."
