The job market in 2024 is navigating through uncharted waters, thanks to the rapid advancements in the field of artificial intelligence (AI) and technology. This evolution poses a significant threat to traditional career paths, with concerns rising over AI replacing conventional avenues of employment. Already this technology has resulted in the loss of up to eight million jobs in the UK.
On the plus side, this transformative era also encourages strategic interventions that aim to adapt and future-proof professions. Industries are encouraged to pivot towards roles that leverage AI rather than compete against it and promote the integration of ‘human skills’ that AI can’t replicate.
Traditional Manufacturing
Manufacturing jobs face a significant threat from digitisation and robotics. From assembly lines to product packaging, machines are increasingly outsourcing and replacing traditional manufacturing tasks. Jobs that would have required hundreds of human workers to complete now take under 100 robots to complete.
To adapt to ever-changing technology, this sector must retrain workers to equip them with the skills needed in robotics programming, advanced machinery operation and quality control.
Print Journalism
Over two-thirds of the adult British population consume news and media via online sources, making digitisation a particular threat to print journalism. AI’s ability to generate news content and the audience’s shift towards digital consumption models demand that journalists acquire digital literacy and adapt to new storytelling methods that embrace technological tools.
Investing in multimedia storytelling skills in conjunction with digital platforms can help journalists adapt to changing industry dynamics.
Skilled Trades
Skilled trades such as carpentry, plumbing, and electrical work are facing shortages due to aging workforce demographics and misconceptions about career prospects. While technology is overtaking some aspects of these trades, the human touch of a traditional tradesman can’t be understated.
These jobs take precision, attention to detail and a mastery of specialised equipment, whether that is electrical tools or plumbing equipment. To safeguard these professions, initiatives such as apprenticeship programs and vocational training should be introduced to introduce career pathways at an early age.
Traditional Retail
The brick-and-mortar retail sector is facing considerable challenges from online commerce and automation technologies. Self-checkout systems and online shopping platforms are reducing the need for human cashiers and sales staff.
To revitalise this sector, retailers need to embrace multi-channel strategies that integrate both online and physical aspects. An emphasis is placed on customer experience management and technological integration to enhance in-store experiences.
Matthew is a seasoned researcher and writer with over five years of experience creating engaging SEO content. He is passionate about exploring new ideas and sharing his knowledge through writing. Matthew has a keen eye for detail and takes pride in producing content that is not only informative but also visually appealing. He constantly expands his skill set and stays up-to-date with the latest SEO trends to ensure that his content always performs well in search rankings. Matthew can be found reading, surfing, or experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen when he’s not writing.