ROVIGO -Specialists of machine learning and of theartificial intelligencetechnicians of sustainability environmental, experts robotics, maintenance workers and installers for automated home automation systems but also, and also in the future, blacksmiths, finishing workers in the construction sector, tailors and textile sector operators.
These are the ones professions of the future identified by the Cna Study Center Padua and Rovigo on the basis ofcomparative analysis of some of the local, national and international databases.
Precisely on the day in which work and workers are celebrated, the association of artisans of Padua and Rovigo has chosen to propose an in-depth reflection on a system that is changing and which will impose, in 5-10 years from now, new mutations in the relationships between training, work and creation of wealth for the community.
In fact, starting in recent years they have been “started profound transformations of the labor market – wrote Saadia Zahidi, managing director of the World Economic Forum in the preface of the “Future of Jobs Report 2023” report – which derive from technological discoveriessuch as reaching the era of generative artificial intelligence (AI), but also from economic factors, geopolitical upheavals, social growth and environmental pressures”.
Based on these assumptions, the World Economic Forum report identifies the figures specialized in artificial intelligence and, in general, in all machine learning processes one of the professions of the future. Then there are the professions related to green transition (which will record a growth of over a third in the coming years) and again, specialists in the sector of IT security and the experts of business intelligence.
And if these predictions come from a survey involving 803 large global companies employing over 11.3 million workers, a recent investigation by Cna it seems precisely on the orientation of artisan entrepreneurs in terms of investments confirm this trend.
It was them robotic systems e L’industrial automationwith 42% of the preferences indicated, the main investment target of entrepreneurs surveyed in mid-April 2024, followed by sensors in machinery for data collection (38%), come on MES systems (Manufacturing Execution System, i.e. digital tools for production management) selected by 35% of interviewees and by design software (21%).
All technological elements preparatory to a massive entry of artificial intelligence into the companya technology that 2 out of 3 artisans rate as positive (44%, mainly because it optimizes production) or very positive (21% because it improves the efficiency and quality of the products).
But find the necessary professionals to capitalize on these investments it is not obvious: this is reiterated once again by Excelsior Unioncamere’s June bulletin relating to “Business Demand for Work” both in Padua and Rovigo.
Professions related to Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, Robotics and the 4.0 and 5.0 Transition are difficult to find, such as technicians in the engineering field (76.5% difficulty in finding) and engineers (70.8% ) but also safety and environmental protection technicians (86.2%).
Going to look more specifically professions linked to the world of artisans, in the province of Rovigo what emerges is the almost total absence of workers for automatic and semi-automatic machines and for metalworking and mineral production (95.7%)Of blacksmiths (90.7%)Of safety and environmental protection technicians (86.2%)of specialized workers of textiles and clothing (85.7%)of specialized workers assigned to the finishing of the construction (84.6%).
In a technological context in which for a long time yet we will not see a massive mechanization of artisan activities on the horizonespecially those outside the production cycles of factories and warehouses, still remain Experienced workers are highly sought after and difficult to find in the construction sector finishes (84.6%) the tailors and textile sector operators (85.7%), the blacksmiths (70.5%) and the plant and machinery maintainers (60.2%).
“The world is changing and artisan professions are no exception – explains Luca Montagnin, president of Cna Padova and Rovigo. – Entrepreneurs’ attention towards new technologies is strong and investments will also be significant in 2024. But to operate new machinery, new IT systems, hardware and software, competent and trained personnel are needed. Staff who, as the data shows, are not so easy to find on the job market.”
“On the day dedicated to work and workers we asked ourselves about the work of today and of the future: many wonder if theautomation will decrease the need for labor and our impression is that no, this is not the case, at least in the artisan sector. Technology will relieve us of the most repetitive or tiring tasks, but it will always need someone to “train” it and take care of its maintenance.
This is why I am convinced that the artisan professions with a higher level of competencethose that require a physical and working presence far from production sites such as factories and warehouses they will continue to exist and be sought after for a long time. I am referring, for example, to professions such as the plumber, the pallet installer, the operator in the window and door sector, the bricklayer. Then there are professions where the difference is made by the skilled hand, the taste and that ability, exquisitely crafted, to respond precisely to people’s needswhich is in the create to measure like in repair and fix Figures such as the tailor or the blacksmith will continue to exist and be sought after for a long time.”
“Strengthened by this awareness we cannot forget that these artisans of ours also they will have to increase their skills to make the most of the tools and opportunities that new technologies offer and will offer. For this reason Cna Padova and Rovigo, through his training institution Tecna, supports entrepreneurs and their collaborators in refresher courses and specializationso as to guarantee both today and tomorrow a growth that is as harmonious and effective as possible of a system of SMEs and skills that is the social, economic and cultural backbone of our communities”.
