The burgeoning field of artificial intelligence (AI) in Australia is poised to create approximately 200,000 AI-related positions by 2030, as reported by the Technology Council of Australia (TCA). This remarkable growth potential signifies substantial opportunities for existing technology professionals and other skilled workers to secure lucrative employment and forge careers in this swiftly expanding sector.
The TCA report, which has garnered support from industry giants such as Microsoft, LinkedIn, and Workday, underscores that achieving this milestone will necessitate a 500% increase in AI jobs over the next seven years. These new roles will span a wide range of fields, encompassing both technical and non-technical domains. This includes developers, marketers, sales professionals, and personnel managers engaged with AI technologies.
To unlock these opportunities, a multi-faceted approach is essential. Entry-level training programs focused on digital and AI skills, the upskilling of current technology workers, and mid-career training for individuals with transferable skills can significantly open doors to AI-related jobs. Additionally, the TCA advocates for leveraging skilled migration to attract international talent to fill these roles.
Historical and predicted growth of AI jobs in Australia
In 2014, Australia’s AI workforce was relatively modest, comprising merely 800 workers, as per TCA’s records. However, with the accelerated expansion of AI technologies both domestically and globally, the number of AI professionals surged to 33,000 by 2023, representing about 4% of the national technology workforce.
The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Australia’s national science agency, predicted in its 2019 AI Roadmap that the country could host up to 161,000 specialist AI workers by 2030. The TCA’s projection of 200,000 includes a broader spectrum of roles, incorporating non-technical occupations essential for scaling, governing, and managing AI systems.
Should these projections materialize, the growth rate of AI jobs will significantly outpace that of other occupations. For instance, while the broader tech sector saw a 46% increase in employment from 2016 to 2023, other high-growth professions, such as aged and disabled carers and registered nurses, are forecasted to grow by only 20% and 17% respectively by 2030.
Emerging AI Roles in Australia
According to the TCA report, the majority of new AI job opportunities in Australia will be related to the development and deployment of AI models, systems, and products. These roles will draw from various existing technology positions and related STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) fields.
The TCA has evaluated the scope of retraining or reskilling required for technology professionals to transition into AI-specific roles. For example, engineering professionals will necessitate considerable retraining in disciplines such as machine learning and data analysis to effectively transition into AI-focused positions.
Factors driving AI job growth
The anticipated growth in AI development roles is expected to be influenced by several factors, according to the TCA. These include the projected supply of new talent emerging from training programs and the impact of AI and automation on current roles, particularly those in design, data, and engineering.
Existing growth trends suggest that AI development roles will experience high to medium rates of workforce expansion. This projection considers the increasing demand for AI technologies and the corresponding need for skilled professionals to design, develop, and manage these advanced systems.
In conclusion, Australia’s AI sector is on the cusp of a significant transformation, with the potential to generate a substantial number of new job opportunities by 2030. Realizing this potential will require concerted efforts in training, upskilling, and attracting international talent. As the AI landscape continues to evolve, both tech and non-tech professionals have the opportunity to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of AI in Australia.
