The Technology Council of Australia (TCA) has warned that reforms will be needed to address the skills gap identified in a report showing how the development and adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies could drive job growth in Australia.
“Responding to the AI Skills Boom” makes a number of recommendations, including widespread literacy education and a national investment and skills plan.
An industry report says AI-related jobs could add up to 200,000 new roles to the economy within six years and generate an estimated $115 billion in savings, 70% of which would come from increased productivity.
But to meet this kind of demand, Australia’s current levels of qualified workers would need to increase by 500% by 2030, the study found.
TCA CEO Damien Kasavughi said job numbers for AI development could be supported by several government interventions, such as utilising skilled migrants to fill highly technical roles that require experience.
“In addition to roles responsible for developing, designing and maintaining AI systems, we will need people with skills in areas such as HR, sales and governance to successfully scale these systems and businesses and capitalize on the potential that lies ahead of us,” Kasavugi said, noting that new roles will emerge in both technical and non-technical departments.
The TCA report was released Tuesday with support from Microsoft, LinkedIn and Workday.
The report notes that the adoption of AI will further strengthen the role of legal, policy, risk and compliance in areas such as finance, HR, sales, operations and governance.
Since 2014, Australia’s AI workforce has grown from around 800 people to more than 33,000. There are now as many AI employees as there are architects and school principals across the country.
LinkedIn Australia and New Zealand managing director Matt Tindale added that more diverse training pathways could increase the country’s supply of cybersecurity, product and design talent.
“With the existing tech workforce already struggling to meet demand, offering alternative entry-level paths could help increase the number of AI development jobs,” Tindale said.
The industry report also called for other reforms, such as alternative onboarding programs and opportunities for retraining and upskilling mid-career workers.
Workday’s public services regional sales director, Paul Leahy, said Australian employees should be supported in preparing for any impacts this transformation will have on the nature of their work.
He suggested to policymakers that a comprehensive AI investment and capabilities plan would provide a clear path for regulation and governance, digital infrastructure, research and commercialization.
“[An] “For Australia, investment and capability development plans are also essential to reap the economic and productivity benefits of AI,” Mr Leahy said.
Sarah Carney, chief technology officer for Microsoft Australia, explained that Australians are already using AI-powered tools to save time and make room for more important or creative work.
“We expect significant growth in the coming years, so as AI technology becomes more widespread, we need to have a workforce with AI skills to reap the economic and societal benefits that the technology will bring,” she said.
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