A striking 92 percent of roles within the information and communications technology (ICT) sector are expected to undergo significant changes due to advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), according to a new report from tech industry leaders Cisco, Microsoft, and Google.
The report, titled “Transformational Opportunity of AI on ICT Jobs,” was released by the AI-enabled ICT Workforce Consortium, led by Cisco.
It highlights the necessity for professionals across 47 ICT roles—including cybersecurity, data science, and software development—to reskill in response to the evolving job landscape driven by AI innovations.
Particularly affected are entry-level and mid-level professionals, with 37 percent and 40 percent of these roles, respectively, anticipated to experience substantial transformation. The report underscores a 323 percent increase in demand for AI-related skills over the past eight years, corroborating findings from a World Economic Forum study that predicted 58 percent of employees will see significant changes in their roles over the next five years due to AI and big data.
Specialised skills
The advent of AI tools like ChatGPT emphasises the growing importance of specialised skills such as AI ethics and large language models, while traditional skills like basic programming and language are becoming less critical.
Sheila Flavell CBE, COO of FDM Group, remarked, “Upskilling and reskilling have always been essential in workplace training to leverage the latest technological advancements. The AI wave is the latest driver of this shift, transforming jobs rather than displacing them. Automation is augmenting staff work, enabling a focus on higher-value activities. Experiential learning, particularly for entry-level positions, is crucial to equip the next workforce generation with the skills needed to harness AI.”
In response to the evolving skill requirements, the UK government has launched a £6.4 million Flexible AI Upskilling Fund to close the skills gap, particularly within small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
Digital skillls training
Laura Lodwick, Chief for UK Talent at AND Digital, emphasised the need for businesses to invest in digital skills training, stating, “As companies embrace AI, it’s vital they invest in upskilling and reskilling to navigate the changing landscape. AI offers transformational benefits, but these can only be realised with the right skills and oversight. A people-centric approach to innovation ensures staff can comfortably transition as their roles evolve.”
To address this skills gap, Cisco aims to train 25 million people in cybersecurity and digital skills by 2032. Other major tech firms are following suit, with IBM planning to upskill 30 million individuals by 2030, including 2 million by 2026, and Microsoft set to train and certify 10 million people in digital skills by 2025.
Amelia Brand is the Editor for HRreview, and host of the HR in Review podcast series. With a Master’s degree in Legal and Political Theory, her particular interests within HR include employment law, DE&I, and wellbeing within the workplace. Prior to working with HRreview, Amelia was Sub-Editor of a magazine, and Editor of the Environmental Justice Project at University College London, writing and overseeing articles into UCL’s weekly newsletter. Her previous academic work has focused on philosophy, politics and law, with a special focus on how artificial intelligence will feature in the future.