AI Literacy: Why Every Worker Needs Basic Tech Skills by 2030

Published on February 21, 2025

by Rachel Norton

The increasing advancement of technology has brought about significant changes in the field of work. From chatbots to self-driving cars, artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming how businesses operate. As companies shift towards automation, one thing has become abundantly clear: every worker needs basic tech skills by 2030. In this article, we will explore the importance of AI literacy and why it has become a crucial skill for workers in today’s digital age. AI Literacy: Why Every Worker Needs Basic Tech Skills by 2030

The Rise of Artificial Intelligence

Artificial intelligence, or AI, is a branch of computer science that focuses on creating intelligent machines that can think, learn and perform tasks on their own. With the rapid advancement of technology, AI has become much more sophisticated in recent years. From personal assistants like Siri and Alexa to automated systems in factories, AI is becoming increasingly prevalent in our daily lives.

According to a report by McKinsey, AI has the potential to create between $3.5 trillion and $5.8 trillion in value annually across nine business functions in 19 industries. With such a significant impact on business, it’s no wonder that companies across various industries are investing heavily in AI technology.

The Impact of AI on the Job Market

While AI has undoubtedly brought about positive changes in the business world, it has also caused some concerns about the future of jobs. Many fear that with the rise of AI, humans will no longer be needed in the workforce. However, this is far from the truth. While certain job roles may become obsolete due to automation, AI also creates new job opportunities.

According to research by IBM, the introduction of AI technology will create 133 million new roles globally by 2022. These new jobs will require skills such as data analysis, digital literacy, and AI proficiency. This means that even as certain job roles disappear, there will still be a demand for workers with the necessary tech skills to work alongside AI technology.

The Importance of Basic Tech Skills

With the increasing prevalence of AI in the workforce, basic tech skills have become a necessity for every worker. AI literacy refers to the ability to understand and work with AI technology. It includes basic skills such as data analysis, coding, and understanding AI algorithms. Having these skills will be crucial for workers to adapt to the changing job market and stay competitive.

Additionally, basic tech skills will also enable workers to work alongside AI technology and leverage its capabilities to improve efficiency and productivity. As AI continues to advance, workers will need to have a basic understanding of how AI works and how to use its tools and applications.

The Benefits of AI Literacy

Improved Employability

Having basic tech skills will make workers more employable in a job market that is increasingly reliant on AI technology. With these skills, workers can adapt to new job roles and industries that require an understanding of AI. This will not only open up more job opportunities but also lead to higher-paying jobs.

Better Job Performance

AI technology is designed to improve efficiency and productivity. By having basic tech skills, workers can make use of AI tools and applications to streamline their work processes and improve their overall job performance. This will not only benefit the individual but also the company as a whole.

Faster Career Growth

As AI continues to evolve, it will create new job roles and industries that require AI literacy. Workers with basic tech skills will be in high demand and have more opportunities for career growth and advancement. They can also choose to specialize in AI and become experts in this field, leading to even more lucrative job opportunities.

Conclusion

In conclusion, as AI technology becomes more prevalent in the workforce, every worker needs basic tech skills by 2030 to remain employable and competitive. AI literacy is crucial for workers to adapt to the changing job market, improve their job performance, and open up new career opportunities. Therefore, it’s essential to invest in learning basic tech skills to future-proof your career in the digital age.