California Workers at High Risk of Being Replaced by Artificial Intelligence, Report Says
A new report from the University of California Berkeley’s Center for Labor Research and Education has found that California workers are at a high risk of being replaced by artificial intelligence (AI). The study examined the impact AI will have on jobs in the state over the next decade.
The report found that nearly one-third of all jobs in California are vulnerable to automation. This means that they could be completely or partially replaced by machines powered by AI technology. In addition, it estimated that up to 1 million Californians could lose their jobs due to automation over the next 10 years.
The industries most likely to be affected include transportation, manufacturing, retail trade, administrative support services and food service occupations. These sectors employ more than 8 million people in California alone and account for almost half of all employment in the state.
While some experts believe this shift towards automation is inevitable, others argue it can be managed if done correctly. According to UC Berkeley professor Sylvia Allegretto: “We need policies now that prepare our workforce for these changes so we don’t end up with an even larger gap between those who benefit from technological advances and those left behind.” She added: “We must ensure everyone has access to education and training opportunities so they can transition into higher-paying jobs as technology replaces lower-wage work.”
The report also highlighted how certain groups may be disproportionately impacted by job losses due to automation—including women, people of color and low-income workers who already face greater economic insecurity than other groups in society. It noted that while men make up 54 percent of total employment in California, they represent 63 percent of those employed in occupations highly susceptible to automation such as production line assembly or cashiering roles which require minimal skillsets or experience levels compared with other professions like engineering or medicine which require specialized knowledge or expertise not easily replicated through machine learning algorithms .
In order for individuals facing displacement due to AI technologies from entering unemployment lines there needs to be a concerted effort made on behalf both public sector institutions such as universities offering retraining programs along with private companies providing apprenticeships aimed at transitioning displaced workers into new career paths where possible rather than simply cutting them loose without any assistance whatsoever . Additionally , governments should consider introducing measures such as tax credits incentivizing businesses investing resources into employee retraining initiatives helping bridge gaps between current skill sets possessed versus what employers demand going forward . Finally , policymakers should look into creating social safety nets ensuring basic income levels remain intact during periods when individuals find themselves unemployed while searching out alternative sources gainful employment .
Overall , it is clear from this latest research conducted by UC Berkeley’s Center for Labor Research & Education that many Californian workers are indeed facing a very real threat posed by advancements made within artificial intelligence technologies leading potentially large scale job losses across multiple industries throughout the state unless proactive steps taken soon mitigate against potential negative impacts felt down road . As Professor Allegretto concluded : “It’s time we start preparing our workforce today before tomorrow arrives .”
KTLA
