The Transformational Impact of AI on ICT Jobs

The Transformational Opportunity of AI on ICT Jobs report, led by CISCO, reveals that AI will significantly alter 92% of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) jobs, especially at entry and mid-level positions. The study underscores the critical need for upskilling in AI literacy and data analytics as major technology companies, including Google, CISCO, Intel, and Microsoft, invest in workforce training to adapt to these changes.

Released on July 31, the report was compiled by a consortium of leading tech firms and advisory organizations, including Cisco, Accenture, Eightfold, Google, IBM, Indeed, Intel, Microsoft, SAP, the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations, CHAIN5, Communications Workers of America, DIGITALEUROPE, the European Vocational Training Association, Khan Academy, and SMEUnited. Analyzed by Accenture, it provides an in-depth analysis of the future landscape for IT and telecommunications jobs, focusing on nearly 50 key roles.

The report highlights that entry-level and mid-level positions are particularly vulnerable, with up to 55% of tasks in these roles potentially being automated or assisted by generative AI within the next decade, as previously reported by MBN. The consortium emphasizes the need for workers to prepare for increasingly digital environments, where AI tools such as ChatGPT, Gemini, and Midjourney will significantly enhance or replicate human capabilities. Adaptability will be crucial for navigating this evolving job market, asserts HR Dive. 

A World Economic Forum study corroborates these findings, revealing that 58% of employees anticipate significant changes in their job skills over the next five years due to AI and Big Data. The report identifies crucial areas for upskilling, including AI literacy, AI preparedness, data analytics, and prompt engineering.

The surge in generative AI tool adoption across various sectors—including technology, media, education, and healthcare—is creating a high demand for talent proficient in AI output tailoring. Job listings requiring expertise in prompt engineering have surged by 50% over the past year, according to LinkedIn.

“AI represents a never-before-seen opportunity for technology to benefit humanity in every way, and we must act intentionally to ensure populations are not left behind. Across the consortium member companies, we are committed to training and upskilling 95 million people over the next decade. By investing in a long-term roadmap for an inclusive workforce, we can help everyone participate and thrive in the era of AI,” Francine Katsoudas, Policy and Purpose Officer, CISCO, Cisco and a founding member of the AI-Enabled ICT Workforce Consortium, stated.

The report also emphasizes the importance of mastering AI ethics, responsibility, and the architecture of large language models. CISCO plans to train 25 million people in cybersecurity and digital skills by 2032. IBM aims to upskill 30 million individuals by 2030, including 2 million in AI by 2026. Intel will equip over 30 million people with AI skills by 2030. Microsoft has already surpassed its goal by training 12.6 million people in digital skills a year ahead of its 2025 target. SAP plans to upskill 2 million people by 2025, and Google has allocated over US$130 million for AI training across various regions.

For HR professionals, the report offers valuable insights into enhancing talent development, and refining recruitment strategies. However, experts advise that HR should prioritize hiring talent not only for their current technical skills but also for their willingness to learn and adapt.

Mauricio Cortés, Sales Director, Voxy, highlighted the importance of effective change management in optimizing upskilling initiatives at MTF 2024. He noted, “By carefully managing the change associated with upskilling initiatives, organizations can reduce employee resistance, boost engagement, and ensure successful skill development and organizational adaptation.”