A WORLD run by robots is not too far away, as the Regional Australia Institute reveals the Tamworth jobs most likely to be taken over by technology.
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With a slightly higher risk of jobs being automated, sales assistants, food process workers and general clerks are most vulnerable to get the chop.
Food processing is a key industry in our area New England North West Business Chamber manager Joe Townsend said.
“It’s a bit of a risk with around 2500 jobs in the area,” he said.
“Given that we’re in regional Australia a lot of our jobs are still reasonably labour intensive compared to when you go to a metropolitan area and it’s value-adding or professional services – it’s the key for us.”
While school teachers, retail managers, midwifery and nursing professionals can take a sigh of relief as the jobs least vulnerable to automation in Tamworth.
But on the bright side, with every job lost to automation often an upskilled position is created, Regional Australia Institute chief executive Jack Archer said.
Those jobs will be completely replaced with new jobs that we don’t even know or think about.
- Joe Townsend
“It’s the first time leaders have insights at their fingertips that are both practical and useful in helping them consider the issues in their community,” he said.
“Our latest research shows that 22 per cent of jobs nationally are highly vulnerable to automation, which is considerably less than previous forecasts of 44 per cent.”
And it’s not a new concept, already smart fridges are telling consumers when to buy more bread and milk – at the grocery shop those same buyers can use the self-serve automated checkout.
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Online retailers are using big data to predict what consumers want, and analytics are placing tailored advertisements on users Internet pages.
Journalists aren’t even safe, with robots generating articles for The Washington Post through computer programs.
Mr Townsend said in the future nearly 40 per cent of current jobs won’t even exist.
“Those jobs will be completely replaced with new jobs that we don’t even know or think about,” he said.
“People can be fearful of automation but it’s something we have to embrace and just grow with as quickly as it approaches us.”
Madeline Link
Madeline Link is a journalist at the Newcastle Herald, with a focus on Lake Macquarie City Council. To keep up with my stories, follow my Twitter @madeline_link, for tips email madeline.link@newcastleherald.com.au.
Madeline Link is a journalist at the Newcastle Herald, with a focus on Lake Macquarie City Council. To keep up with my stories, follow my Twitter @madeline_link, for tips email madeline.link@newcastleherald.com.au.
