Technology

Mid-career professionals urged to reskill as AI threatens 300 million jobs worldwide

Saturday, 17 May 2025 12:08AM UTC

With AI-driven automation poised to disrupt hundreds of millions of jobs globally, experts stress the urgent need for mid-career workers to understand and leverage AI technologies, transforming potential displacement into new opportunities for growth and innovation.

In an era marked by rapid technological advancement, forward-thinking businesses and governments are increasingly prioritising the upskilling of mid-career professionals to help them navigate the disruptive landscape of artificial intelligence (AI). This effort is not merely a survival strategy; it aims to empower workers to thrive amid changes reminiscent of the historical shifts seen in the industrial era.

The advent of generative AI, particularly marked by the release of tools like ChatGPT in 2022, signalled a generational tipping point. Its widespread adoption is causing profound shifts in professional roles, reminiscent of the upheaval faced by blue-collar workers in the 19th century. Research from OpenAI and the University of Pennsylvania predicts that numerous white-collar positions—including accountants, legal assistants, financial analysts, journalists, translators, and public relations professionals—will face significant disruption. Goldman Sachs has estimated that as many as 300 million jobs worldwide could be impacted by AI technologies across varying sectors, demanding immediate attention to workforce preparation.

Tram Anh Nguyen, co-founder of the Centre for Finance, Technology and Entrepreneurship (CFTE), has articulated the unique vulnerability of mid-career professionals—specifically those over 40. Drawing on her extensive experience in the finance sector, she emphasised to Computer Weekly that “AI is no longer a future concept. It’s here and it’s affecting everyone at every level.” However, she also highlighted that reskilling rather than replacement is the key to adapting to this new landscape. The focus must go beyond mere technical training; professionals should gain a deeper understanding of AI and its practical applications pertinent to their roles.

According to CFTE’s whitepaper, “The AI-fication of talents,” the future workforce will comprise three distinct categories of professionals. Firstly, there will be a significant “mass displacement” of roles that are highly automatable. Secondly, a new group of “supercharged professionals” will leverage AI to amplify their capabilities and productivity. Lastly, a small cadre of “creative disruptors” will innovate by creating novel business models and products. As the UK lags behind in workforce preparation for AI, Nguyen noted the success of initiatives in countries like Singapore, which has provided substantial support for mid-career transitions, particularly in technology and finance. Such programmes have seen remarkable engagement, with around 555,000 participants in 2024 alone, showcasing a proactive approach to workforce development.

The potential for AI to reshape the job market raises critical questions regarding the balance between displacement and opportunity. Goldman Sachs’ reports indicate that while AI could automate up to 25% of tasks in sectors such as office administration and legal services, it may simultaneously foster new job creation and enhance productivity. According to their analysis, the economic impact could be significant, with global GDP expected to increase by as much as 7% as a result of these technological advancements.

Despite the dual-edged nature of AI's potential impact, the pressing need for proactive adaptation remains a common theme across various sectors. As industries evolve, it is becoming increasingly crucial for employees and employers alike to embrace a forward-looking mindset and invest in ongoing education and reskilling. The prospect of AI need not be viewed with trepidation; instead, it should be seen as an opportunity for growth, innovation, and a redefinition of what it means to work in a technology-driven world.

Indeed, as businesses and governments contend with the realities of AI integration, the focus should be on creating a resilient workforce ready to meet the challenges and seize the opportunities of tomorrow.

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Source: Noah Wire Services

More on this

https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366623871/Mid-career-professionals-must-learn-to-understand-and-use-AI-as-GenAI-tips-balance - Please view link - unable to able to access data
https://www.forbes.com/sites/jackkelly/2023/03/31/goldman-sachs-predicts-300-million-jobs-will-be-lost-or-degraded-by-artificial-intelligence/ - Goldman Sachs predicts that artificial intelligence (AI) could lead to the loss or degradation of 300 million jobs globally. The report highlights that sectors such as office administrative support, legal, architecture, engineering, business and financial operations, management, sales, healthcare, and art and design are particularly susceptible to automation. While AI may result in job displacement, it also offers potential for new job creation and productivity enhancements, potentially adding 1% to the U.S. GDP by 2030. The study underscores the need for proactive workforce adaptation to these technological advancements.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-65102150 - A Goldman Sachs report indicates that artificial intelligence (AI) could replace the equivalent of 300 million full-time jobs worldwide. The study suggests that AI could automate a quarter of tasks in the U.S. and Europe, with administrative and legal professions being particularly vulnerable. However, the report also notes that AI could lead to new job creation and a productivity boom, potentially increasing global GDP by 7%. The findings highlight the dual impact of AI on employment and economic growth.
https://www.entrepreneur.com/business-news/ai-could-replace-300-million-jobs-according-to-goldman/448627 - Goldman Sachs economists estimate that generative AI could replace up to 25% of current jobs globally, equating to approximately 300 million full-time positions. The report highlights that sectors such as office administrative support, legal, architecture, engineering, business and financial operations, management, sales, healthcare, and art and design are most susceptible to automation. Despite potential job losses, the report suggests that AI could also lead to new job creation and a productivity boom, potentially increasing global GDP by 7%. The study emphasizes the need for workforce adaptation to these technological changes.
https://aibusiness.com/nlp/goldman-sachs-generative-ai-could-replace-300-million-jobs - Goldman Sachs reports that generative AI could replace up to 25% of current jobs globally, equating to approximately 300 million full-time positions. The study indicates that sectors such as office administrative support, legal, architecture, engineering, business and financial operations, management, sales, healthcare, and art and design are particularly vulnerable to automation. However, the report also suggests that AI could lead to new job creation and a productivity boom, potentially increasing global GDP by 7%. The findings highlight the need for proactive workforce adaptation to these technological advancements.
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/goldman-sachs-says-ai-automation-190424288.html - Goldman Sachs reports that AI automation could disrupt 300 million jobs worldwide, with office and administrative support positions being the most affected. The study indicates that approximately 46% of tasks in these roles could be automated. Other sectors at risk include legal, architecture, engineering, business and financial operations, management, sales, healthcare, and art and design. The report also suggests that AI could lead to new job creation and a productivity boom, potentially increasing global GDP by 7%. The findings underscore the need for workforce adaptation to these technological changes.
https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/tech/technology/ai-could-replace-300-million-jobs-goldman-sachs-report/articleshow/99085074.cms - Goldman Sachs reports that AI could replace up to 25% of current jobs in the U.S. and Europe, equating to approximately 300 million full-time positions. The study highlights that sectors such as office administrative support, legal, architecture, engineering, business and financial operations, management, sales, healthcare, and art and design are particularly susceptible to automation. However, the report also suggests that AI could lead to new job creation and a productivity boom, potentially increasing global GDP by 7%. The findings emphasize the need for proactive workforce adaptation to these technological advancements.

Noah Fact Check Pro

The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may warrant further investigation.

Freshness check

Score: 8

Notes: The narrative references recent events and trends in AI, such as the release of ChatGPT in 2022 and initiatives in 2024. However, the general theme of AI's impact on jobs is not new, suggesting a mix of current and longstanding concerns.

Quotes check

Score: 9

Notes: The quote from Tram Anh Nguyen, while specific to the context, does not appear to be a widely referenced or older quote found in other sources. This increases the likelihood of it being original or a first-time usage in this context.

Source reliability

Score: 8

Notes: The narrative originates from Computer Weekly, a reputable source in the technology sector. However, the specific claims about job displacement and reskilling rely on external sources like Goldman Sachs and CFTE, which adds a layer of reliability but also depends on the credibility of these secondary sources.

Plausability check

Score: 8

Notes: The claims about AI's impact on jobs and the need for reskilling are plausible and supported by various reports and analyses. However, the exact figures and outcomes are speculative and depend on future developments in AI technology and its adoption.

Overall assessment

Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS

Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH

Summary: The narrative is well-supported by current trends in AI and technological advancements. The reliability of the source and the plausibility of the claims contribute to a high confidence rating. However, the long-term impact of AI on jobs remains speculative.

Artificial Intelligence
Workforce Development
Upskilling
Generative AI
Job Market