The UK and global job markets are changing rapidly, thanks in part to technological advancements that aren’t just changing how we work, but whether or not certain industries and specific job roles will even have a part to play in the future of business.
According to the Bank of England’s Chief Economist, Andy Haldane: “Up to 15m jobs in Britain are at risk of being lost to an age of robots where increasingly sophisticated machines do work that was previously the preserve of humans.”
Being replaced by artificial intelligence isn’t the only risk that comes with technological advancements – the hardware and software that we use in business is also constantly being improved and updated, a factor which requires human users to master new systems on an almost monthly basis. However, in this internet age of remote working, there is always someone out there who knows a system more comprehensively and can work ‘cheaply’ as a freelancer without the business overheads associated with employees (healthcare, insurance, equipment, etc.). This puts many workers at risk of having their work ‘out- sourced’ if they cannot ensure their practical skills and knowledge are up to date in this fast-paced digital era.
The UK EA and PA Profession, just like many other industries, are coming under pressure from these changes to the wider jobs market, and one of the key areas that could help to ensure that EA and PA Professionals remain a valuable and essential asset for any business is training and professional development. Through increased access to personal and professional development training, EPAA believe that employed EA/PA Professionals can remain competitive in the wider jobs market and bring value to a business that AI technology cannot.
