Artificial intelligence maintains its omnipresence in 2024, as the rapidly spreading and evolving technology continues to trigger ripple effects throughout the world of tech, talent, and beyond.
For example, executives estimate that 40% of their workforce will need to re-skill as a result of implementing AI and automation over the next three years, an IBM survey found.
That could translate to 1.4 billion people worldwide.
Vancouver-based hiring agency Marmalade Recruitment says AI and automaton are set to spur “substantial transformation in the job market,” which could result in a “shift towards more technologically integrated roles and the need for continuous skill development.”
As AI and automation continue to evolve, a large segment of the global workforce “will need to acquire new skills to remain relevant in their professions,” Marmalade believes. “This shift necessitates a major focus on reskilling and upskilling initiatives, both at the individual and organizational levels.”
Governments and private institutions alike are committing significant resources toward AI-related initiatives, from advancing or adopting the technology to empowering a fully AI-competent workforce.
One example of this dedication is longstanding Toronto anchor Thomson Reuters, which last year announced a US$100 million annual commitment to AI.
Mary Alice Vuicic, who serves as chief people officer for TR, recently issued a handful predictions around AI for 2024.
According to Vuicic, Generative AI is slated to “permeate all aspects of work,” so no one should consider themselves immune to the AI buzz. She envisions a “redefinition of roles and organizations” as well as “new job categories.”
To remain relevant as talent in a tech-powered world, Vuicic anticipates “an unprecedented wave of upskilling and reskilling.” We at TechTalent.ca have noted how Upskilling takes on many forms and reaps many benefits, including staying ahead of the demand curve when it comes to employment opportunities and trends.
“Understanding and working alongside AI systems will become an essential part of many job descriptions,” Marmalade’s report posits.
“Employee training programs will increasingly focus on developing digital competencies, understanding AI and automation, and fostering adaptability in the face of technological changes,” the agency’s analysis asserts. “Continuous learning will become a key component of career development.”
Moving forward, professionals will assume greater responsibility for their personal growth and career trajectories in the age of AI, believes Vuicic.
“With the democratization of online learning and the widespread availability of resources, individuals will not only become more proactive,” she predicts, “but also more collaborative in their learning journeys.”
Peer-to-peer learning networks, mentorship programs, and community-driven AI initiatives will gain momentum, Vuicic forecasts, as emphasis shifts from acquiring hard technical skills “to developing a mindset that blends curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking.”
“This combination will be essential for navigating and maximizing opportunities in an AI-augmented professional world,” Vuicic expects.
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