Young people are facing significant challenges as artificial intelligence (AI) technology increasingly impacts employment in sectors deemed high-risk, according to discussions at a recent employment conference. Despite Ireland’s strong position to benefit from AI advancements, concerns about its impact on the labor market persist. The country leads the EU in producing graduates in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, which suggests readiness for AI integration. However, employment in high-risk sectors such as information and communications technology (ICT), finance, insurance, and professional services has shown weaker growth, particularly affecting young workers. While overall employment in Ireland grew by 4.5% between early 2023 and the first quarter of this year, employment among those aged 15 to 24 increased by only 2.4%, and even declined in high-risk sectors. This trend is influencing career choices, with fewer students opting for ICT courses as their top choice. Although job numbers in ICT have declined, partly due to over-hiring during the pandemic, the broader trend of reduced employment growth in high-risk sectors is evident. Ireland’s adoption of AI within businesses has slipped in EU rankings, with countries like Malta and Denmark showing higher integration rates.
Are young people in tech and professional services most affected by AI job disruption?
