The Bank of England's recent announcement encouraged developers not to view artificial intelligence (AI) as a job destroyer but as a catalyst for growth due to the increasing demand for developers to build and maintain AI infrastructure. Jane Gormley, Director of Employer Engagement at Code Institute, echoes this sentiment, urging developers to invest in AI education and capitalise on the significantly growing demand for AI skills.
Earlier this year, the Bank of England sought to allay the fears associated with the rise of AI, insisting that this technology should not be viewed as a threat to human jobs but rather as a promising development. Increased investment in AI-based skills and services has raised concerns about human-operated roles becoming obsolete. However, the Bank's stance seeks to reassure workers that the advent of AI is more likely to benefit than hamper the labour force.
Gormley stated, "The discourse surrounding AI as a ‘destroyer of jobs’ has rightfully been put to rest by a key institution. While there may be some changes, the new opportunities arising from AI will outpace the negatives. In the Developer space, engineers will likely see an uptick in the demand for expertise in artificial intelligence." She added that while the rise of AI may lead to changes in the job market, the opportunities it creates will far outweigh any potential job losses.
As AI investment increases, developers are needed more than ever to create and uphold robust AI infrastructure and products. This demand represents a significant opportunity for seasoned developers, beginners, and those seeking a career reorientation. The first step for those aspiring to work in this industry is education. Gormley suggests that seeking comprehensive and fully accredited education pathways will lay the ground for a prosperous career in the AI sphere.
Gormley said, “As competition increases, the requirement to stand out in the candidate job market is also growing. For experienced Developers or those looking for a career change, there are avenues for professionals to invest in their futures and upskill or reskill themselves in AI development."
"Right now, there are a growing number of positions in the AI space which need to be filled by qualified developers. For these developers, taking proactive steps to educate themselves with key languages such as Python and Java, to name just two, with an accommodating education partner, will be the beginning of the journey for many to fulfil this surge in demand in the industry."
Lastly, Gormley addressed the persistent concerns over the rise of AI, suggesting that the comments made by the Bank of England should counteract the widespread fear concerning AI’s advancement. She concluded, "Rather than a 'destroyer of jobs', we are on the cusp of a tidal wave of knowledge and innovation that will surge in and advance various businesses and public services into a new automated world."
The Bank of England's positive outlook on artificial intelligence as a catalyst for growth rather than a job destroyer is echoed by industry experts like Jane Gormley. As demand for AI skills continues to rise, developers have a significant opportunity to capitalise on this trend by investing in AI education and upskilling. With proactive steps and comprehensive education pathways, developers can position themselves for success in the evolving AI landscape, contributing to innovation and advancement across various industries.