As debates swirl around the future of artificial intelligence (AI) and its impact on jobs, a newly formed consortium of leading technology companies and consulting firms aims to address these concerns head-on.
The group, known as the “AI-Enabled Information and Communication Technology” (ICT) workforce consortium, includes industry giants such as Microsoft, Google, IBM, and Intel, along with Cisco, job search website Indeed, and consulting firm Accenture, among others. According to an IBM press release, the consortium’s mission is to explore how AI is affecting job roles within ICT, help workers access the training they need, and connect businesses with qualified, job-ready personnel.
One of the consortium’s main objectives is to foster an inclusive workforce that supports families with sustainable job opportunities. Despite this positive spin, there is an underlying acknowledgment that AI may soon replace some human jobs.
The consortium’s initial efforts will focus on evaluating the evolving job landscape and the skills required for success. They plan to release a report offering practical advice for business leaders and workers on adapting to these changes.
A spokesperson for the consortium shared with TechCrunch that the study will cover 56 different IT job roles, identifying strategic positions and potential entry points for less-skilled workers.
Cisco’s executive vice president, Francine Katsoudas, commented on the rapid changes AI brings to the global workforce, emphasizing the opportunities for the private sector to assist in upskilling and reskilling workers.
Echoing past transitions, such as the shift from typewriters to computers, the consortium sees significant potential for businesses that can help train displaced workers for new, AI-driven roles.
U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo expressed gratitude toward the consortium members for tackling the emerging workforce challenges posed by rapid AI development. She highlighted the consortium’s large-scale training initiative, which aims to positively impact over 95 million people globally within the next decade. This ambitious plan will require substantial investment from both the tech industry and global governments.
However, critics of AI argue whether reskilling 95 million people will be sufficient, especially amidst widespread job cuts across various sectors. They also question whether enough people will choose to reskill, given the increasing dominance of AI in many industries.
