Nearly all tech jobs to be dramatically changed by AI — Cisco, Google, Microsoft call for reskilling

By James On Aug 1, 2024

New research shows that the vast majority (92%) of ICT-related jobs will undergo moderate to significant transformation in the coming years as a result of the growth of AI.

The report from the AI-Enabled ICT Workforce Consortium, led by Cisco and counting members such as SAP, Microsoft and IBM, indicates that software development and business management functions, which are expected to have a 61% and 48% evolution rate respectively, could be particularly affected by the changes.

It was argued that fundamental skills are needed in response to the rise of new technologies, such as AI literacy, rapid engineering and data analytics. It was also suggested that the increasing relevance of skills such as AI ethics, LLM architecture and agile methodologies will push more traditional roles into the background.

Employer’s obligations

In response to the rapidly changing digital landscape, many companies have committed to training employees in the fundamentals of ICT skills. Lisa Gevelber, Founder of Grow with Google confirms:

“The benefits of AI should be accessible to every worker. We are proud to support the Consortium’s new research, which will advance our shared vision of equipping all workers with the AI skills they need to succeed in the jobs of today and tomorrow.”

Cisco itself has pledged to train 25 million people with cybersecurity and digital skills by 2032. Both Intel and IBM have pledged to help 30 million people with AI skills and digital skills, respectively, by 2030.

Google also announced more than $130 million in funding to support AI training and skills for employees in the US, Europe, Africa, Latin America and APAC.

“AI represents an unprecedented opportunity for technology to benefit humanity in every way possible, and we must act with purpose to ensure that populations are not left behind,” said Francine Katsoudas, Chief People, Policy & Purpose Officer, Cisco and Founder of the AI-Enabled ICT Workforce Consortium. “By investing in a long-term roadmap for an inclusive workforce, we can help everyone participate and thrive in the age of AI.”