High-level jobs to feel most impact from Gen AI

Australian Government-funded jobs and skills council the Future Skills Organisation has predicted that higher-level qualifications will feel the most impact from the rise of generative AI.

A new report released by the organisation seeks to predict the impact of generative AI on finance, technology and business occupations, as well as the ramifications for Australia’s training systems.

The report found that the occupations with the highest required skill level are more likely to change with generative AI, due to their heavier reliance on cognitive skills. The impact on the training system will therefore be most heavily felt at the university level, it states.

Meanwhile within the vocational education and training (VET) system, the brunt of the impact is expected to be on higher level qualifications such as graduate certificates and diplomas.

Within the finance, technology and business sectors, the greatest exposure to generative AI was found in financial services and business services training packages, followed by ICT. The occupations facing the most exposure include HR, accounting, banking, marketing and communications.

Future Skills Organisation CEO Patrick Kidd said occupations using more cognitive and sensory skills will be most impacted by generative AI, while those with physical skills will feel the least impact.

“There’s no doubt that generative AI is having a significant impact on our world, including what we learn and how we train. This report is the first of its kind that examines the exposure of various training products to generative AI,” he said.

“We know that Australia’s finance, technology and business sectors are some of the most innovative, creative and resilient sectors. AI has the potential to establish new ways of conducting business, with tasks being automated, augmented or adapted, and ultimately shifting how we create, consume and engage with content.”

Kidd said it is important that Australia prepares now for the fundamental changes to some jobs that are expected to eventuate from the AI revolution. “We need to plan now for how the workforce will transition so we can realise our potential in this environment,” he said.

He added that the findings from the report could prove critical to ensuring Australia’s training systems are tailored to address the projected 370,000 digital worker shortfall by 2026. “These findings allow us to more clearly understand the current and emerging influences and trends impacting the VET system, allowing us to equip training providers and students with the skills to harness this potential rather than be passive bystanders,” Kidd said.

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