AI Talent in the UK – a perspective from the “next generation"
Since the concept of AI exploded on to the mainstream, business, the media and politicians alike have been concerned with, and obsessing over, the impact on talent. Ranging from the “we are all doomed” to the panic of “not enough”, the focus on ensuring an AI ready talent pool is complex yet vital. There are no shortage of reports outlining the challenge. According to the AWS AI Skills Report, 51% of surveyed UK employers consider hiring talent with AI skills and experience a priority. However, nearly three-quarters (71%) of these employers say that they can’t find the talent they need.
However, this rush for skills and talent is in sharp contrast to what the market is currently experiencing. As specialists in entry level tech recruitment and training, we have seen a real reluctance to invest in “new to the industry” talent. The reality? It is tough being new to this industry and gaining experience. So, we want to contribute to the debate and offer perspectives from our incredible and dedicated consultants. All starting a career in technology, all curious about AI, and all with strong views on what is needed to grow talent in the UK.
What are the generation entering the workplace now, or those in their early-stage careers, feeling about the hype around AI?
Concerned! They’re worried about opportunities for juniors drying up, hearing about AI ‘replacing’ these roles and a narrative that there will be fewer opportunities due to automation. This has the potential to be off-putting for many, who may look to future-proof their careers outside of technology. We need to change this narrative if we want to attract people to this space.
Two or three years ago, if you knew what you knew today, would you have thought tech was a good career choice for you?
Encouragingly, the answer is a resounding yes. Despite all the uncertainty, there is fundamentally a need for a deeper understanding of AI and its implications, making opportunities in this space appealing to people who like to problem-solve.
Yes, roles will evolve but the opportunity and excitement are still there. Working alongside AI, reducing some of the more repetitive tasks, thus creating more time to specialise, experiment and innovate provides the potential to progress a career faster.
What could our Government do to help people like yourselves get a job in AI and tech?
Lower barriers to access. Provide more access to free education and training. Incentivise companies to invest in talent beyond apprenticeships. Importantly, encourage experts from industry to provide training, to ensure educators have live and relevant experience and can move beyond theory.
We see plenty of focus on tech and AI skills but not enough emphasis on soft skills, ethics and risks. Implementing AI needs a broader application of skills – governance and controls need to be in place, it’s not a case of purchasing a tool and letting AI do the rest.
What would your advice be to business leaders?
Invest in training early and take people along for the ride. All of this is new, and for technology to be sustainable, we need to be experiencing this acceleration. None of us want a homogenised world where there’s no variation in tone or content – stretch people harder and faster and invest in those challenges rather than focusing on maximising cost-savings in the short term.
In short, provide opportunities that lower the barriers for curiosity to ensure more people understand AI – how it can provide incredible benefits and opportunities, and where it is best left alone!
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Tess Buckley
Tess Buckley
A digital ethicist and musician, Tess holds a MA in AI and Philosophy, specialising in ableism in biotechnologies. Their professional journey includes working as an AI Ethics Analyst with a dataset on corporate digital responsibility, followed by supporting the development of a specialised model for sustainability disclosure requests. Currently at techUK as programme manager in digital ethics and AI safety, Tess focuses on demystifying and operationalising ethics through assurance mechanisms and standards. Their primary research interests encompass AI music systems, AI fluency, and technology created by and for differently abled individuals. Their overarching goal is to apply philosophical principles to make emerging technologies both explainable and ethical.
Outside of work Tess enjoys kickboxing, ballet, crochet and jazz music.
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Christel joined Xander in October 2022 as our Chief Product Officer, rising to CEO within her first 6 months. Christel ensures we have the right product/market fit, championing quality, excellence and Xander's purpose. A creative and strategic leader, she is always in pursuit of developing and delivering products and services that address our clients’ needs, supports our Consultants and crucially delivers results.
