T&L up-skilling crucial as more jobs created than lost as industrial revolutions roll on
Transport and logistics will remain a people-focused industry no matter what challenges automation throws at it, a senior recruitment executive tells ATN.
The intervention comes as recruitment firm Hays revels the results of a survey gauging automation’s impact on the Australian workforce generally.
The finding was that half of Australian workers have already seen their job responsibilities change as a result of automation.
Hays advises that action in the face of its growing impact is crucial, and that goes for transport and logistics too.
“Automation and robotics is having a huge impact, particularly when it comes to optimal warehousing and distribution centres,” Hays Logistic MD Tim James says.
“Just think of automated vehicles, automated storage and retrieval systems and industrial robots.”
But while tasks may change, James is sure recruitment demand will remain undimmed.
“It’s important to remember though that we’re far from the demise of the human worker,” he says.
“When we look back at the four industrial revolutions, each has created more jobs than those that have been eliminated – it’s just that these new jobs require people who are more highly skilled and who can perform more higher value job responsibilities.”
But with that, James sees a need for a proactive workforce willing to invest in their knowledge.
“So with automation and AI taking over the routine, repetitive aspects of jobs, people will need to ensure they upskill to be able to keep their skills relevant,” he advises.
“Don’t rest on your laurels but upskill now so that when AI and automation does take over the lower-value, repetitive and often time consuming duties of your job you’ll be able to focus on tasks that allow you to deliver greater value.
“I read a quote somewhere from Futurist Alvin Toffler who said the illiterate of the 21st century won’t be those who can’t read and write but those who can’t learn, unlearn and relearn.
“We’re seeing this in action, with employers increasingly looking to shortlist a qualified candidate who has shown they regularly upskill to keep their technical skills relevant.”
Read about Hays’ take on T&L skills demand, here
Hays’ online poll of 1,987 people in Australia saw 18 per cent saying automation has already impacted their job ‘significantly’, with their duties changing or their role becoming redundant.
Another 32 per cent said their job has been impacted ‘partially’, with some tasks automated and non-routine duties increasing.
The final 50 per cent said automation has so far had no impact on their day-to-day job responsibilities.
“There’s no denying that robots will continue to join workplaces across the country, with professionals able to benefit if they take appropriate action now,” Hays Australia & New Zealand ND Nick Deligiannis says.
“Even if you are one of the 50 per cent of skilled professionals whose job has not yet been impacted by automation, it’s essential you don’t rest on your laurels. The automation of routine and repetitive job tasks is inevitable.
“To prepare, consider what your job would look like if all the routine and repetitive duties you perform were automated. Then determine how you could fill the time freed up by the automation of these tasks in a way that adds greater strategic value to your employer.
“Next, start to upskill in the higher-value areas you’ve identified so that you’ll be ready for the automation of your lower-value, repetitive tasks.
“But don’t just sit back and wait for automation to knock on your door. Be proactive and embrace change by exploring relevant automation tools and their practical application for your role.
“Set up a meeting with your boss to discuss these new tools and how they could be of use in your role. Then present your plan for how you can focus your time on higher-value tasks if your routine and repetitive job responsibilities were automated.
“Remember, constant upskilling is the key to remaining relevant and employable when lower-value tasks are automated.”
Hays has published up-skilling advice that can be found here.