‘New collar future’ on horizon
A typical worker of the future is likely to have up to four careers, and universities may have to transition to micro accreditations to cater to the corresponding demand for broader skill sets.
In such a fast changing climate, where technology constantly redefines the playing field, there is a growing awareness that future proofing needs to be a top priority, as much for employees as businesses.
A new Wellington conference seeks to explore how workers can do just that, and what Wellington’s ‘new collar future’ might look like.
Conference director John Dow said the term ‘new collar workers’ referred to the diminishing divide between traditional white collar and blue collar workers.
‘‘We are heading towards people having to look at work, employment and carriers in a different way.
‘‘This conference has come about through some in-depth research and consultation with the business community,’’ Dow said.
He said it was hoped the the conference would act as a catalyst to highlight the concerns, but also the opportunities, that a rapidly changing employment landscape brought.
In order to do so, experts from some of the fastest changing fields will speak, including Kaila Colbin, an expert in artificial intelligence and the workings of cryptocurrency, and Kendra Ross, who will speak on the growing importance of the cyber security industry.
The changes also has have health implications, with Dow saying a new breed of workaholic screen-junkies were experiencing mental strains never before studied by health professionals.
Mental health expert Mary O’Hagan, a former adviser to the United Nations and the World Health Organisation, would address such risks in her talk, particularly among entrepeneurs.
Dow said the conference was attracting attention from a wide range of industries, and attendees who have already signed up included workers in IT, education, the trades, finance and news media.
The Work in Progress conference will be held at the St James Theatre in Wellington on November 8.