AI Reshapes ICT Jobs: Urgent Reskilling Needed

The AI-Enabled ICT Workforce Consortium,  spearheaded by Cisco (NASDAQ: CSCO) alongside industry giants like Accenture, Eightfold, Google, IBM, Indeed, Intel, Microsoft, and SAP, has unveiled its inaugural report, “The Transformational Opportunity of AI on ICT Jobs.” This landmark report explores the significant influence of AI on 47 ICT roles across seven job families, utilizing a comprehensive Job Transformation Canvas. It aims to empower workers by providing clear guidance for reskilling and upskilling, responding to the rapidly evolving demands of the job market. The emergence of technologies like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Midjourney necessitates preparation for digital workplaces increasingly capable of emulating human skills.

The Job Transformation Canvas offers a detailed analysis of AI’s potential to reshape job roles, highlighting the essential future skills and identifying the skills that AI will diminish. Workers can use this resource as a guide for training, while employers can develop training programs to nurture an AI-ready workforce. David Meads, Vice President of Cisco Middle East and Africa, emphasized the critical role of AI in society, stating, “AI presents a generational opportunity for technology to positively impact critical industries and wider society. We must act intentionally to ensure that populations in our region are equipped with the necessary skills. With countries in the Middle East marching forward to realize their AI goals, upskilling has never been more crucial. This is why the ICT Workforce Consortium of global leaders has come together, committing to train and upskill 95 million people over the next 10 years, ensuring everyone can participate and thrive in the era of AI.”

The report indicates that 92% of ICT jobs are expected to undergo significant transformations due to AI advancements. Mid-level positions (40%) and entry-level positions (37%) are poised for substantial changes, placing them at the forefront of AI transformation. Skills such as AI ethics, responsible AI, prompt engineering, AI literacy, and agile methodologies will become increasingly important. In contrast, traditional skills like data management, content creation, and basic programming may become less relevant in the AI-driven landscape. AI literacy, data analytics, and prompt engineering are crucial for readiness across all ICT roles.

Consortium members have set ambitious goals to impact over 95 million people through skill development and training within the next decade. Key initiatives include Cisco training 25 million people in cybersecurity and digital skills by 2032, IBM skilling 30 million individuals by 2030, including 2 million in AI by 2026, Intel empowering over 30 million people with AI skills by 2030, Microsoft training and certifying 10 million people in digital skills by 2025, with 12.6 million already trained, SAP upskilling 2 million people by 2025, and Google investing over $130 million in AI training and skills globally.

Cisco’s dedication to professional development dates back to 1997 with the launch of the Cisco Networking Academy. This program partners with educational institutions worldwide, fostering a future-ready workforce and empowering 17.5 million learners in 190 countries, including 506,600 learners in the GCC. This commitment underscores the ICT industry’s proactive approach to ensuring a skilled and adaptable workforce, ready to harness the full potential of AI in transforming the future of work.