Five Strategies to Overcome the CNC Machinist Shortage

The computer numerically controlled (CNC) machinist shortage is among the most concerning talent gaps the industry is facing. Organizations must do all they can to boost efficiency, hiring and retention. While that can seem daunting, it’s possible once you consider a few less conventional strategies. Talent Gap_Skills_Talent Shortage Putting the machinist shortage into perspective

Overcoming the machinist shortage starts with forming an effective plan. Most importantly, manufacturers should acknowledge that the current gap is unlikely to go away on its own.

The manufacturing sector has weathered previous labor challenges. However, the present one is nearly three times as large […]

Intervene to check growing inequality

Intervene to check growing inequality

A recent ILO (International Labour Organisation) report on the links between technology, especially automation and artificial intelligence (AI), and income inequality has raised questions that need answers from governments and societies. The World Employment and Social Outlook September 2024 report has taken note of the increasing pressure on income equality caused by the decline or stagnation of labour income, and also the lack of access to employment, education and training for a large number of young people. The study shows that the global labour income share, which is the portion of total income earned by workers, fell by 0.6 […]

The Disadvantages and Negative Effects of Artificial Intelligence

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has significantly impacted industries ranging from healthcare to finance, enabling advancements in automation, decision-making, and problem-solving. However, as AI continues to evolve, it brings along several challenges and risks. This article delves into the disadvantages and negative effects of AI, addressing concerns over job displacement, ethical dilemmas, security issues, and more. 1. Job Displacement and Economic Inequality

One of the most prominent concerns regarding AI is its potential to displace jobs. As machines and algorithms become increasingly sophisticated, they are capable of performing tasks that traditionally required human intervention. Automation in industries such as manufacturing, […]

The AI revolution: Your career’s metamorphosis

The AI revolution: Your career’s metamorphosis

[Images: muse studio / Adobe Stock] In boardrooms across the globe, executives are scrutinizing every aspect of their operations, envisioning an AI-powered future that’s sleeker, swifter, and more cost-effective. The elephant in that room? It’s wearing your nametag.

But before you contemplate a career change to artisanal breadmaking, consider this: This historical moment isn’t a story about technology replacing humans; it’s about technology amplifying human capabilities. At the cusp of the AI revolution, we’re already working smarter, achieving more, and finding more time to focus on high-value work.

Imagine transforming your workweek into a powerhouse of productivity, getting as much—or more—work […]

The impact of AI on the job market : threat or opportunity ?

The impact of AI on the job market : threat or opportunity ?

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is often touted as a technological revolution capable of profoundly transforming our societies, including the job market . While some view AI as a threat to employment, others see it as an opportunity to create new jobs and boost the economy. This article explores both sides of the coin by analyzing the risks of job loss and the new opportunities brought about by automation. The risks of job loss due to AI

One of the main arguments against AI is its potential to eliminate jobs. Indeed, AI-powered machines are increasingly capable of performing tasks that were […]

Technological Advances Make Things Better – Or Does It?

Technological Advances Make Things Better – Or Does It?

It certainly seems that technological advances make our lives better. Instead of writing a letter, stamping it, and mailing it (which was vastly more personal) , we now send emails. Rather than driving to a local retailer or manufacturer, we order it online. Of course, we mustn’t dismiss the rise of social media, which connects us to everyone and everything more than ever.

Economists and experts have long argued that technological advances drive U.S. economic growth and productivity. As innovations emerge, they play a crucial role in shaping the economy, improving efficiency, and enhancing productivity across various sectors. From artificial […]

Here’s What The Future Of Work In 2030 Might Look Like

Here’s What The Future Of Work In 2030 Might Look Like

As technology advances, ethical considerations surrounding automation, AI, and data privacy will become more prominent. By 2030, the nature of work will likely be more cognitive, requiring creativity, critical thinking, and constant digital upskilling to solve complex problems.

Predicting the exact future of work in 2030 is speculative and subject to unpredictable factors such as technological advancements, economic conditions, and societal changes.

While challenges undoubtedly exist, the future of work in 2030 presents a dynamic and exciting landscape. The future of work is a topic that has been extensively studied and speculated upon; it is a […]

​Income inequality: On the ILO’s World Employment and Social Outlook study

​Income inequality: On the ILO’s World Employment and Social Outlook study

The ILO’s World Employment and Social Outlook study (September) has definitively linked declining trends in labour’s income share of total income within nations to technological advances — mainly automation and artificial intelligence . In an analysis of the past two decades, it mentions a 1.6% drop in the global labour income share between 2004-24. More ominously, almost 40% of this decline was in the pandemic years of 2019-22 — a drop that has not been recouped in the past couple of years. Labour income share is a measure widely used to assess income inequalities within economies. The 1.6% drop […]

Automation in Indonesia’s Apparel Industry: Shifting Gender Roles and Workforce Dynamics

Automation in Indonesia’s Apparel Industry: Shifting Gender Roles and Workforce Dynamics

Representative Image The study, a collaboration between the International Labour Office (ILO) and the Joint Research Centre (JRC) of the European Union, explores the effects of automation on Indonesia’s apparel and footwear industries, with a particular focus on gender dynamics and the implications for employment. Based on factory visits and interviews conducted in two apparel and two footwear factories, which are considered representative of best practices in technology adoption, the research offers insights into how automation is being implemented and its consequences on the workforce. These factories, among the most modern in Indonesia, one of the world’s largest exporters […]

Stanford lecture discusses the future of jobs and AI automation

Stanford lecture discusses the future of jobs and AI automation

The future of jobs is being reshaped by AI and automation, especially in manufacturing. A recent Stanford lecture highlighted this transformation, focusing on the rise of automated factories and the potential decline in blue-collar jobs due to advancements in robotics and AI. The lecture offered valuable insights into the evolving job market and technological landscape: Automated factories, like Xiaomi’s dark factory in Beijing that produces smartphones with 100% automation, are leading the charge in transforming manufacturing. These factories showcase the efficiency and precision that can be achieved with minimal human intervention.

The rise of automated factories is having a […]