Guernsey Embraces AI: Jobs Evolve, Not Disappear!

The future of jobs in Guernsey is being discussed as artificial intelligence, or AI, becomes more common in the workplace. Paul Gorman, the CEO of the new Bank Aston, believes that while some jobs may change or even disappear, there is no reason why Guernsey should lose jobs overall because of AI. He points out that although some jobs might be lost, new ones will be created as technology advances. Bank Aston currently has about ten employees before its official launch, and Gorman plans to use AI as part of the bank's daily work.

A study done in 2020 by PricewaterhouseCoopers, or PwC, estimated that around 10,800 jobs in Guernsey could be at risk from automation by 2035. However, Callum McCutcheon, a director at PwC Guernsey, says that they have not seen a drop in entry-level jobs yet. He believes that the workforce will need to adapt and learn new skills to keep up with changes. There will be new types of jobs and new ways for people to use AI in their work. Des Gorman, a lecturer at The Guernsey Institute, says that students need to be better prepared for a future where AI is part of many jobs. He and his colleagues are creating a new syllabus to teach students about AI, but he admits that technology is changing so quickly that it is hard for schools to keep up.

Elliott Cockett, who runs TDR Studio, a video production company, says that AI has changed the way they work a lot. He explains that AI allows small businesses like his to compete with larger companies without needing a big budget. While AI means they do not have to hire as many new people, it does not replace junior workers. Instead, the skills needed for jobs are changing, and Cockett now looks for people who know about AI when hiring. Warren Mauger, who manages Spike Productions, says that AI has been very disruptive for creative jobs, and some people are leaving the industry because of it. However, he believes that these changes are not permanent. He thinks that people need to learn how to use AI as a tool and that the next generation will use it differently than those who have been in the industry for many years.

To help Guernsey deal with the changes brought by AI, Deputy Tom Rylatt has suggested creating a special office to study AI. This office would look at both the opportunities and risks of AI and learn from other places like the Isle of Man. If the idea is approved, the office could be set up before the end of the year. People in Guernsey are working together to make sure that AI helps the community and does not lead to a loss of jobs. The hope is that by preparing students and workers for the future, Guernsey can benefit from AI instead of being hurt by it.