HomeEssayUPSC EssayUPSC Essay PYQ (2019): Rise of Artificial Intelligence: the threat of jobless future or better job opportunities through reskilling and upskilling.
UPSC Essay PYQ (2019): Rise of Artificial Intelligence: the threat of jobless future or better job opportunities through reskilling and upskilling.
Rise of Artificial Intelligence: the threat of jobless future or better job opportunities through reskilling and upskilling
Paraphrase
This essay explores how artificial intelligence affects employment, highlighting both the risk of job losses and the potential for skill-based opportunities.
Intent of the Essay
To examine how AI is transforming job markets and emphasize the need for reskilling and upskilling to effectively adapt to future workforce demands.
AI has taken over numerous tasks once carried out by humans, especially in areas like manufacturing, customer support, and data processing.
Projections show that up to 800 million jobs could disappear globally by 2030 due to automation.
Evidence: McKinsey Global Institute estimates that nearly 30% of the global workforce may need to shift to new professions because of AI-led changes.
2. Emergence of New Job Opportunities
While some roles become outdated, AI is also generating demand for new jobs in fields like technology development, system maintenance, and regulatory oversight.
Sectors such as AI ethics, machine learning, and data science are rapidly expanding, needing trained professionals.
Evidence: According to the World Economic Forum, about 97 million new roles may arise by 2025, driven by AI and automation advancements.
3. Need for Reskilling and Upskilling
To reduce the impact of AI-related job loss, equipping the workforce with new skills is essential.
Programs focused on STEM education and digital literacy prepare individuals for evolving job market needs.
Evidence: PwC reports that strategic investment in training could raise per capita GDP by 2.7% over time.
4. Involvement of Government and Private Sector
A joint effort by governments and companies is vital to design and implement efficient reskilling initiatives.
Policies encouraging continuous learning and development can ease AI’s disruptive effects.
Evidence: Nations like Singapore and Germany have launched successful training programs to help workers transition into tech-driven roles.
5. Influence on Job Quality and Workforce Structure
Beyond the number of jobs, AI is also reshaping the nature of work, steering it toward more technical and high-skill roles.
If guided well, this shift can improve job satisfaction and contribute to economic growth.
Evidence: The OECD notes that AI adoption can lead to productivity boosts, ultimately improving wages and work quality.
Case Studies/Examples
Case Study
Key Insights
Relevance
Amazon’s Fulfillment Centers
Automation has improved efficiency but also led to job displacement in traditional warehousing roles.
Illustrates the dual impact of AI on job creation and loss in a leading company.
Reskill America Initiative
A program supporting worker transitions in the age of AI, focusing on skills development for new job roles.
Demonstrates effective strategies for reskilling at a national level.
BMW’s Industry 4.0
Investment in AI and digital manufacturing led to the creation of specialized jobs in robotics and AI operation.
Highlights how innovation can create high-value job opportunities.
Additional Tips
Examine the ethical challenges posed by AI in the workplace, such as issues related to employee privacy and unbiased recruitment processes.
Highlight the continued relevance of soft skills like creativity, emotional intelligence, and critical thinking, which remain essential despite advancements in technical automation.
Analyze real-world examples of countries that have successfully integrated AI with effective reskilling initiatives to extract key takeaways from their approaches.
Address the emotional and psychological effects of job loss due to AI, and stress the importance of transition support programs for impacted workers.
