Is Technology Putting Jobs at Risk?
Advancements in technology are almost universally viewed in a positive light. But when it comes to the world of employment, are these steps forward detrimental to the working population? Despite some alarmist predictions, you needn’t worry that robots will take all the jobs. While continuous improvements in technology will absolutely transform the job market, most experts are confident that job growth in Australia will continue on an upward trend.
So how are changes in technology affecting employment prospects in your industry and others? Let’s take a closer look, to determine more soundly whether or not technology is putting jobs at risk.
Different Skills at the Forefront
The most striking technological advancements are not those that have emerged over the last 20 years, but are those which have appeared within the current decade. Computerisation, data, and the constant connectivity in our society are fundamentally changing the way business is done. It’s evident that skills related to these areas will be in high demand over the coming years.
For workers to keep pace, it might not be necessary to learn the most advanced coding skills, but those more common abilities may be increasingly required. It’s a smart time to invest in some basic computer literacy training, or familiarise yourself with social media. The online world is where much of the “action” happens, and having the right skill set will make you a more desirable candidate.
Some Jobs Will Always Be Essential
New technology may be making its way into virtually every industry, but no matter these adaptations, human workers will always be necessary in some fields. Automation is no replacement for the thoughtful decision-making abilities of a real-live employee. And when safety points or ethical considerations are on the docket, it is vital for an experienced worker to be the one making the call. Many manual labour jobs, particularly those involving specialised skills or on a smaller scale, aren’t likely to become fully automated anytime soon.
The key now is to adapt with the growing technology. Landscapers, for instance, are increasingly using drone technology and computerisation to achieve the most efficient, accurate results in their surveying and land mapping services. These tools are making the work faster and better, but they can only do so much. It’s still up to the surveyor to make practical sense of the data and apply it correctly. The savvy land surveyor knows that utilising these resources will only improve their business and that getting on board with the latest advancements is a smart step forward.
Technology Might Be Great for the Job Market
In the mid 1700s through the 1850s, the industrial revolution blossomed and generated fresh new inventions and technologies. This must have seemed radical at the time, and perhaps alarming to workers across the globe. Yet these changes were good, leading to improved productivity and eventually to better pay, increased employment rates, and higher standards of living. These benefits did not spring up overnight, however, and we might be awaiting future payouts from our current “Internet revolution.” Only time will tell.
Helping You Succeed
Are you a jobseeker? Why not partner with an organisation who knows the employment world inside and out? Here at On Line Recruitment and Labour Hire, we’ve been helping candidates just like you land their ideal roles. We can assist you with finding the right employer that is seeking your exact skills, talents, and ambitions. Ready to learn more? Give us a call now.
