On November 7th, 2019 the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation held the second Future Jobs Ireland Summit. Future Jobs Ireland, which was launched in March 2019, is viewed by the Government as “an ambitious, medium-term framework to create a sustainable, resilient and future-orientated economy in Ireland over the years to 2025”.
Saadia Zahidi from the World Economic Forum (WEF) gave the key note address at this year’s summit. In her address Saadia noted the arrival of the fourth industrial revolution which will be driven by cyber physical systems, networks and artificial intelligence (AI).
In one of her slides she noted a dramatic shift in the ratio of human versus machine work hours over the period 2018 to 2025. In 2018 the ratio was human 71% to machine 29%, by 2025 the WEF estimate this ratio will be 48% to 52%.
The World Economic Forum estimate that there will be a net positive outlook for jobs, but there will be significant churn by 2022. Amongst the top ten jobs emerging are data analysts and scientists; AI and machine learning specialists; general and operations managers; software and applications developers and analysts; sales and marking professionals. Amongst the jobs they see as declining are: data entry clerks; accounting, bookkeeping and payroll clerks; administrative and executive secretaries; assembly and factory workers; and client information and customer service workers.
This changing world of work has implications for the skills that people will be expected to have and to develop over their working life. Saadia noted that there will be a premium on soft skills and advanced cognitive skills including analytical thinking and innovation; active learning and learning strategies; creativity, originality and initiative; technology design and programming; critical thinking and analysis.
Amongst the skills that are seen as declining are: manual dexterity, endurance and precision; memory, verbal, auditory and spatial abilities; management of financial, material resources; technology installation and maintenance; reading, writing, math and active listening.
Clearly this has implications for Government policy on jobs, employment services, education and training provision. Saadia noted that a reskilling revolution is required and that collaboration at scale is needed to find the resources to address the skills gap: Learning 4.0 was the term used.
The World Economic Forum has developed a ‘skills gap accelerator model’ which focuses on leverage points and in particular on: lifelong learning and upskilling; future-readiness and employability; innovative skills funding models; and skills anticipation and job market insight.
The Breakout Sessions at Future Jobs Ireland Summit, focused on three cross cutting themes:
- Clustering
- New modes of working
- Transitioning
Amongst the main discussion points noted on clustering were “The development of a national clustering framework was discussed. The framework should include a definition of clustering, a database/directory of clusters, clustering case studies, highlighting the benefits of clustering, development of guidance templates to facilitate cluster initiation, and discuss cluster supports, drawing on international best practice examples. Skills development and access to a talent pool was discussed as an example of a catalyst for formation of clusters. Geography and proximity, sectoral interests, clustering of industry around a university or another entity, and presentation of a challenge were also discussed as drivers of clustering.”
Amongst the main discussion points noted on new modes of working were “The public sector should be a leader in adopting new modes of working. Acting as a demonstrator of best practice would encourage businesses to implement new modes of working and reassure them of its practicality. The public sector also has a role in supporting businesses and workers that wish to adopt new modes of working and should provide a more streamlined advisory service for those looking at either new locations or modes of working.”
Amongst the main discussion points noted on transitioning, in which the INOU participated, were “Significant skills gaps exist in the economy – particularly when it comes to what is known as “soft skills” or “social skills”. The four C’s – Competency, Creativity, Capacity and Collaboration – need to be at the forefront of all individual learning” and “There are people outside the workforce who wish to return to work, to training, or to education but lack the confidence to do. Our training system and public employment services need to bridge this gap by empowering people with the confidence and skills necessary to return to the labour market.”
Further information on the Future Jobs Ireland summit is available at https://dbei.gov.ie/en/What-We-Do/Business-Sectoral-Initiatives/Future-Jobs/Future-Jobs-Ireland-Summit/