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More than 40% of Irish adults are concerned automation and robotics technology will replace their current job role, according to a new national survey undertaken by Griffith College and Opinions Market Research.
The survey of more than 1,000 adults highlighted 42% were either somewhat or very concerned about the threat of automation, while 64% percent were worried that current technology skills will become outdated. Highlighting the need for continuous, lifelong learning, 70% of adults agree there is a need to develop transferable skills to provide career security and flexibility.
Dr Robbie Smyth, deputy head of communications and media at Griffith College, said “The findings clearly highlight the need to upskill throughout our working lives. Developing strong, transferable skills, particularly those that complement technical skillsets, is one of the best ways to future-proof your career.”
CEO at Opinions Market Research David Cullen, said “this survey demonstrates the considerable anxiety that exists around skills redundancy. People understand that a flourishing career necessitates an investment in continuous development. Those who have committed to doing so are embracing the greater range of options that exist including part-time, full-time and blended/online learning options”.
Griffith College has recently launched a new campaign, An Eye on the Future, to highlight the importance of developing soft and transferable skills. The campaign aims to raise awareness that learners will need to continually upskill over the course of their careers, utilising strong transferable skills to flexibly respond to changes within the workplace.
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Editor’s notes: Griffith College is Ireland’s leading independent third level college with over 7,000 students at its campuses in Dublin, Cork and Limerick. Established in 1974, the College offers a wide range of full and part-time courses at undergraduate and postgraduate level, as well as short courses and professional programmes. For more information, visit griffith.ie.
