A majority of Victorians are worried about the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on jobs, a new survey has revealed and want the government to increase investment in retraining or upskilling to help workers adapt.
The survey into attitudes to education and training found that 61 per cent of Victorians were worried that AI would reduce job opportunities for them or their family members, while 82 per cent agreed that the state government should expand retraining opportunities to help workers impacted by rapid technological changes.
The exclusive poll of 2600 Victorians, conducted by 89 Degrees East for the Victorian TAFE Association (VTA), comes as an increasing number of high-profile employers are blaming AI for staff layoffs.
VTA Chief Executive Officer Alex White said the findings highlighted that Victorians understood that public vocational training was a practical solution to the AI jobs threat and broader challenges facing the economy.
“Unsurprisingly, Victorians are concerned about the impact of AI and whether it will cost them their jobs, or limit their job opportunities in the future,” he said.
“But at the same time, we have sectors across the economy that are facing significant and growing demands for skilled workers.
“Ramping up our investment in new and expanded vocational training is a common-sense solution that will help people re-enter work, upskill or get their first job.
“And eight in ten of these in-demand, AI-proof occupations are attainable through a TAFE qualification.”
Among the survey findings, women were more concerned about AI than men (66 per cent compared to 55 per cent), as were respondents without a tertiary education (70 per cent) and lower income earners (66 per cent).
The survey also canvased views on the role of education and training in social cohesion, economic mobility and supporting essential services, finding:
- 82 per cent agreed that TAFE gives young people a clear next step after school and helps them thrive
- 83 per cent believed people needed to keep learning new skills and securing better jobs to improve their financial security
- 83 per cent were concerned that essential services like hospitals and aged care facilities were under strain from a lack of skilled workers
- 87 per cent believed investing in TAFE was critical to train the workers needed to support the housing construction, healthcare, aged care, childcare, and infrastructure that society depended upon.
“This survey really shows the high importance that Victorians place on public vocational training outcomes. They want TAFE courses that match real jobs and provide apprenticeships and pathways for young people,” Mr White said.
“Victoria is forecast to need an additional 1.4 million workers by 2034, and meeting this demand will require large-scale reskilling and upskilling of the existing workforce to sustain economic growth.
“Only our public TAFEs have the scale, expertise and facilities that can train the number of workers needed in critical areas of the economy.
“The VTA are calling for a long-term commitment to more Free TAFE places, recommending a $2.5 billion investment in new campuses and upgraded teaching facilities help unlock opportunities for people wanting to contribute and take on the essential jobs we all rely on.”