Anyone one that has watched Black Mirror the series depicting possible scenarios in the ‘high-tech-near-future’, the thought frequently crosses your mind ‘That could happen’.
A recent study has revealed that in a high-tech-near- future that 40% of jobs in Ireland will be threatened by the rise of machines. The impact of automation means that two out of every five Irish jobs are at “high risk” of being taken over by machines.
This study carried out by University College Cork (UCC) listed the towns most at risk of automation as Edgeworthstown in Co. Longford, Ballyjamesduff in Cavan, or Carrick-On-Suir Co Tipperary. This research took a number of factors into consideration including population, education levels, age demographics and the types of jobs in the different areas. The study revealed that the towns that were least at risk of automation were Bearna, Co Galway, Strandhill, Co Sligo ad Malahide, Co Dublin.
The research revealed that the sectors that were at the highest risk of automation were manufacturing jobs, office jobs, administration or other routine-based jobs in customer service and agriculture or process plant engineering.
Roles which involved more human interaction for example in education, culture and the arts, media and social care were least likely to be affected, in addition to roles that involved more complex problem solving, for example, research and development.
Co-author of this study Dr Frank Crowley said that predictions will come into effect over the next two decades.
A poll published last month by iReach last month showed that three out of four Irish people thin automation and robots will lead to more unemployment. Automation will dramatically change the landscape as we know it today. However, advancements in technology will also create a range of new positions.
An article in The Guardian listed the 5 future proof jobs as follows:
1. Chief information officer
2. Cybersecurity and risk managers
3. Innovation officer
4. Developers
5. AI engineers
This research also highlights the benefits of a third level education and learning how to adapt to the future of work and developing problem-solving skills.
H//T- IrishExaminer
