AI news and information is everywhere at the moment, from television to LinkedIn feeds.
This revolutionary technology is here to stay and making major waves within the sector.
However, what do these impacts mean for tech jobs?
From specialised roles to higher demand for cybersecurity professionals, we’ve rounded up the top five impacts and how this is affecting the UK tech industry.
Creation of specialised job roles
While AI can take away tasks and jobs, there’s a growing need for specialists to manage and understand its intricacies.
The more we embrace AI, the more need for AI engineers, machine learning engineers, data scientists, and data ethicists.
There’s even a growing market for data annotators, a group that prepares and labels datasets used for AI training.
These roles require an in-depth understanding of AI, skills in machine learning frameworks, and knowledge of programming languages, such as R and Python.
Automation of routine tasks
One of the initial impacts of AI on the workforce is its ability to do routine work, freeing up time for professionals to focus on more complex tasks.
Routine tasks now done by AI include data entry, chatbot customer support, software testing, basic project management
Many companies have started experimenting with AI for these purposes as it has cheaper overhead costs and works efficiently and quickly, saving employees from extra stress and burnout.
However, this does raise questions about job displacement as many workers will need to reskill and pivot to compete with automation’s productivity.
Demand for tighter cybersecurity
AI provides undeniable advantages, but it also comes with cybersecurity challenges as the complexity of AI tech tools introduces extra vulnerabilities that can be exploited.
Since its implementation, AI-related cybersecurity incidents have risen, creating extra demand for cybersecurity support.
Across the globe, tech companies are now hiring AI cybersecurity specialists to strengthen their businesses against this automated risk.
From government websites to e-commerce sites and online casinos, popular variations of AI are being used everywhere.
Cybersecurity is particularly paramount in industries like online gambling as it’s critical that a user’s personal and financial information are protected while they play.
More untrustworthy sites are appearing than ever, so players must be cautious when finding new places to join.
Specialised AI cybersecurity roles are needed in all areas for increased vigilance.
AI ethics in the workplace
Similarly, the uptake of AI has raised concerns about the ethics of the generative software.
Like cybersecurity roles, many in-house tech roles are being created to monitor the ethics of AI in the workplace.
This is an even newer sector that’ll likely blossom as governments and organisations release laws and legislation about the best practices for AI.
Higher competition
Lastly, another impact of AI on tech industry jobs is higher competition.
New job roles are being created, but the interest in these roles is widespread, especially as the wages for AI-related positions are higher than others.
For example, more students are focusing on machine learning, and many tech professionals are taking courses to tailor their skills to this new market.
The pros and cons of AI
The continuous integration of AI in the tech industry has positive and negative impacts on current and future jobs.
AI provides efficiency and cost savings for businesses as plenty of mundane tasks can now be automated without expensive fees.
AI can also help decision-making, allowing teams to navigate complex problems with ease.
A significant positive is the creation of new roles.
Tech companies looking for machine learning experts, data scientists, and ethical consultants open doors for many professionals.
However, it’s not all positive.
The adoption of AI will also cause job displacement, bias, ethical concerns, and new security risks for tech companies.
How AI is affecting the UK tech industry
Since the availability of AI, the UK has positioned itself as a global leader in generative technology.
With government initiatives and investments geared towards advancing the sector, it’s clear that the British tech industry is ready to embrace this new technology with open arms.
To boost AI skills, the UK Government launched the AI Sector Deal, a strategy that includes funding for AI research, support for AI start-ups, and educational programs to develop a future-proof workforce.
Exciting things are to come in the United Kingdom, particularly in London.
Monitor the latest UK tech news to catch the latest cutting-edge events.
AI and the future of the tech industry
Like it or not, AI is set to redefine the tech industry.
We can expect vast new job opportunities, faster workflows, and improved automation, alongside challenges like job displacement and security risks.
It’s an exciting development that the UK and other tech leaders are poised to approach with care.
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