But increased demand expected in the next few years
More employers across New Zealand are looking for job candidates with AI skills, but their numbers lag when compared to the rest of the world, according to a new report.
The AI Index of Stanford University's Digital Economy Lab, which analysed data from Lightcast, found that the number of AI job postings in New Zealand increased to 0.45% in 2022.
Lightcast said an AI job posting is an advertisement requiring at least one skill in AI, such as machine learning or natural language processing.
However, New Zealand trails among the list of nations analysed by the index. The full list include:
- United States (2.05%)
- Canada (1.45%)
- Spain (1.33%)
- Australia (1.23%)
- Sweden (1.20%)
- Switzerland (1.16%)
- United Kingdom (1.14%)
- Netherlands (1.01%)
- Germany (0.98%)
- Austria (0.89%)
- Belgium (0.86%)
- France (0.84%)
- Italy (0.72%)
- New Zealand (0.45%)
"Many countries saw a significant increase in AI-related postings, such as Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom, whereas countries such as Canada, Spain, and Australia saw some decline," Lightcast said in a blog post.
On New Zealand's low demand for AI skills, Trade Me Jobs sales director Matt Tolich previously said some businesses are still likely monitoring these new programmes to see how they could help their businesses.
"There will be an increasing demand for skills around AI over the next few years," Tolich said as quoted by Stuff.
AI takeover
The findings come as AI tools are introduced to more workplaces across the world, with Global Economics Analyst predicting that it would put at risk 300 million full-time jobs.
A report from the Academy to Innovate HR last year previously found that select roles in the administrative and process support, as well as process execution, are at "high risk of automation."
But New Zealand's workforce has a history of welcoming automation in their workplaces.
Findings from a 2019 report by technology group Genesys found that 49% of Kiwis welcome the use of AI and bots in the workplace to manage their deadlines and tasks.
In fact, the report found that 67% of Australian and New Zealand talent said they are willing to use virtual or digital assistants, while 43% said they are willing to be trained by an AI or bot.
