SPACE FOR JOBS
Moon and Mars tourism among jobs of the future
GOLD Coast children will soon be forging careers as space tourism operators, cricket farmers and cyborg psychologists, according to a new report being released today.
While jobs in repetitive tasks are under threat, those in the science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM) fields are expected to prosper.
GOLD Coast children will soon be forging careers as space tourism operators, cricket farmers and cyborg psychologists, according to a new report being released today.
The futuristic 100 Jobs of the Future report, written by researchers at Ford Australia, Griffith and Deakin universities, considered the industries and careers that would emerge over the next few decades.
While jobs in repetitive tasks are under threat, those in science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM) fields are expected to prosper.
“The report was intended as an inspiration to spark young people, instead of the usual ‘the robots are coming for your jobs’ outlook,” said report coauthor Ruth Bridgstock, Professor and Deputy Director of Teaching and Curriculum Transformation at Griffith University.
The study also pointed to a large range of job opportunities in space, for new titles such as off-world habitat developers, who will build stations, and later space tourism operators, who will take tours on Mars and moon colonies.
However, Prof Bridgstock said the Gold Coast tourism industry would not have to compete with space tourism just yet.
“I don’t think the Gold Coast tourism operators and hotel owners have anything to worry about when it comes to swapping the beach for Mars for at least another 20 years,” she laughed.
The research, which included interviews with 11 industry leaders, found major drivers of change included artificial intelligence, robots and big data, as well as innovation in materials, propulsion and energy strategies, climate change, globalisation and population pressures.
Those interested in the study can also take a complimentary online quiz which matches a person’s personality, skills and interests to a job in the future.
“We know from research that almost 50 per cent of jobs across the economy are predicted to disappear over the next few decades, but that will be balanced out by new fields and careers – which is reason to be excited,” Prof Bridgstock said.
In aged care, it is predicted “nostalgists”, will work to recreate past experiences with the help of virtual reality for older people, and 100-year counsellors will ensure the longer living population makes the most of their lives.
In health, cyborg psychologists will adjust people to their new robotic limbs and organs and memory optimisers will help you hack your own brain.
Prof Bridgstock said the Gold Coast may also reap the benefits of a shift back to agriculture, with micro protein farming schemes like crickets and algae becoming more popular.
“We see potential for growth in these areas, particularly in urban landscapes,” she said.
“We predict a more complex and changing world of work but one where young people will be able to find or create exciting work opportunities that make the most of their interests and skills.”