Jamaicans Encouraged to Consider New Job Opportunities Being Spurred by Automation

Minister without Portfolio in the Office of the Prime Minister with responsibility for Skills and Digital Transformation, Senator Dr. the Hon. Dana Morris Dixon, is encouraging Jamaicans to consider the new job opportunities that come with increased automation.

She was addressing the opening ceremony for the WorldSkills Autonomous Mobile Robotics Invitational Training Camp at the Cardiff Hotel and Spa in Runaway Bay, St. Ann, on Tuesday (January 16).

Dr. Dixon referenced the World Economic Forum prediction on the displacement of 85 million jobs globally due to automation and artificial intelligence, noting that the positive advancements are not given as much attention.

“But [the World Economic Forum] also forecasted the creation of 97 million new roles, emphasising the need for a skilled workforce adapted to the robotics era,” she said.

“Recently, we heard the wonderful announcement of the new plant for National and they intend to use robotics as a part of their plant. I’ve met with other manufacturing companies and they, too, plan to use more technology and robotics in manufacturing plants. What this means is that we are seeing a shift in our manufacturing sector in Jamaica, and we need to have the workforce in tandem with that,” Dr. Dixon added.

The Senator extended a charge to parents and guardians to support their children, irrespective of their unconventional dreams.

“As parents, you may not be aware of all the new technological advancements, but it is the future. If your child says that they want to learn a skill through HEART, do not dissuade them…; the jobs of the future are skill-based,” she explained.

Consequently, Dr. Dixon asserted: “We are inspiring our young minds to dream, create and innovate, for in their hands lie, not just robots but the future of Jamaica and the world.”

Meanwhile, HEART/NSTA Trust Managing Director, Dr. Taneisha Ingleton, highlighted that the agency has commenced preparations for the ‘New World’.

“The HEART/NSTA Trust stands firmly on the edge of tomorrow, preparing Jamaicans for the jobs of the future… jobs that have not been invented yet,” she stated.

Dr. Ingleton noted that robotics is at the forefront of a revolution, promising advancements in industries from healthcare to agriculture, adding that “we are determined to position Jamaica as a leader in this transformative field”.

“We have purchased 60 Autonomous Mobile Robotic kits and 20 Aerial Robotic kits. These kits will take our students from basic to advanced in designing, programming and installing and even maintaining robots in just about any sector,” Dr. Ingleton added.