If you are part of the technology workforce, it’s advisable to prepare for a turbulent journey ahead.
The World Economic Forum (WEF) anticipates that approximately a quarter of global jobs will undergo changes in the next five years, partly due to the influence of AI. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) goes even further with projections indicating that around 60% of jobs in advanced economies will be impacted by this technology.
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While these figures may not appear significant on the surface, they translate to impacting billions of lives—and tech corporations are well aware of this reality.
Recognizing the magnitude of the situation, nine major tech companies have united forces to address the repercussions of AI on the technology workforce through the establishment of a new consortium: the AI-Enabled Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Workforce Consortium.
Headed by Cisco and supported by Accenture, Eightfold, Google, IBM, Indeed, Intel, Microsoft, and SAP, the consortium aims to proactively navigate the swiftly evolving landscape of AI by proposing opportunities for upskilling and reskilling to empower workers to adapt.
Many of these companies already have ongoing skills training initiatives, targeting over 95 million individuals in the next decade. Notably, Intel and IBM have made specific commitments related to AI. However, Cisco’s Chief People, Policy, and Purpose Officer, Francine Katsoudas, acknowledges the overwhelming array of learning paths available to individuals. This realization led the companies to understand that addressing the impact of AI on the workforce requires a collaborative effort.
Katsoudas highlights the unique convergence of AI technologies at this moment and emphasizes the importance of bridging the digital divide to mitigate risks faced by those disconnected from the technological advancements.
The consortium also includes six advisors, such as the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO) and Khan Academy.
Broad Disruption Across Various Professions—From Truck Drivers to Software Engineers
The formation of the consortium was inspired by discussions held within the U.S.-EU Trade and Technology Council Talent for Growth Task Force, where Cisco CEO Chuck Robbins played a pivotal role.
In a statement to Fortune, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo underscores the department’s commitment to fostering high-quality, well-paying jobs for the future, a goal that the consortium will actively support.
The consortium members collectively employ over 1.75 million individuals and generate more than $805 billion in annual revenue, as per Fortune 500 data.
Hannah Calhoon, the head of AI innovation at Indeed, expresses excitement about the rapid adoption of AI technologies globally and the potential impact on various technology-related roles.
The initial phase of the consortium’s work will concentrate on assessing AI’s implications on numerous ICT job roles and providing practical training insights for business leaders and employees.
Katsoudas emphasizes the necessity of creating pathways for employees and leveraging AI to enhance career progression, underscoring the importance of continuous upskilling.
According to WEF, nearly 1 out of 5 jobs on Indeed are considered highly exposed to generative AI, indicating that AI technology is proficient in performing at least 80% of the skills required for those roles.
By collaborating directly with companies, Indeed aims to understand employers’ job requirements and future skill needs to effectively match job seekers with suitable positions.
Calhoon predicts that the disruption caused by AI will predominantly impact white-collar professions, affecting a wide range of roles from truck drivers to software engineers.
Embracing Upskilling for a Future with AI
With 58% of workers anticipating significant skill changes in their jobs over the next five years, as reported by WEF, the importance of upskilling in the era of AI cannot be overstated.
Calhoon emphasizes the multitude of pathways available for upskilling with AI, suggesting a shift towards more specialized courses tailored to specific functions like AI for marketers or healthcare workers to enhance practical application.
Constant training and upskilling will be essential for tech professionals to stay ahead of the curve, with companies taking the lead in promoting these initiatives, according to Katsoudas.
The proactive approach adopted by the consortium is aimed at providing employees with the necessary support, guidance, and structure to navigate the impending changes effectively.
