We've all seen the Terminator and RoboCop franchises, yet, the future of robotics is less guns and more work. As the field makes the technological leaps it needs to turn fantasy into reality, the possibility of loosing your job to a robot is no less scary. 

But there is some good news, those undertaking IT project management training or information security training courses are in a much safe position.

How then can we make preparations for a world with robots?

Computerisation and job prospects

A 2013 study by Oxford researchers found that 47 per cent of total US employment is at risk.

By estimating the chances of computerisation for 702 occupations, the study was able to examine the impacts job automation will have on the US labour market. By detailing the number of jobs at risk researchers showed the connection between computerisation, wages and education. 

A similar report, issued by the Associated Press, found that middle-class workers with a salary between $38,000 to $68,000 are most likely to lose their jobs. 

Robotics sound like a far-off prospect, but companies are using robotics to complement human labour. For example, Amazon currently employ robots called Kiva to move merchandise around their warehouses, while the automobile industry have been using robots for years.

What jobs are most at risk?

One of the questions to arise from the Oxford study was – which half? This is an important question. 

In recent history, computerisation has typically replaced the low-wage, average or low skill routine worker – especially those holding roles in manufacturing and office administration. This is because the tasks executed by these occupations involve the repetition of narrow procedures, which can easily be codified into compute software.

Think about the instances where you run into computerised​ roles, supermarket checkouts, toll booths and assembly workers are just a few. 

But that's not all, recent developments in Big Data, such as algorithms, are moving into previously untouched domains, which rely on pattern recognition and cognitive problem solving. This puts once-thought safe jobs at risk.

How can training help you make the move into a new industry?

What can be done?

If you are currently working within one of the at-risk industries, such as manufacturing or hard-labour, a good strategy is to identify skills shortages and make the switch. 

There are a range of developing industries, one of which is the IT industry. The UK, Australia and the US IT sectors are all showing signs of growth, yet, there are not enough jobs to fill the rising number of vacancies. 

In a recent Guardian article, Barinder Hothi, co-founder of global education provider The Knowledge Academy, pointed out that in the UK there will be approximately 750,000 computer science jobs by 2017. Yet there will only be 50,000 students graduates with computer science degrees in 2014. 

How can you ensure your future?

As the saying goes, when one door closes another opens. In other words, even though your current employment may be on the chopping board, through training, you can find success in another industry. 

Investing in your own education is an investment in your future. The first step is finding a quality training provider. The next step is picking an education pathway. One of the top-rated courses is PRINCE2. 

PRINCE2 is a project management framework heavily used by both private and public sectors. The UK government initially developed the framework and is now one of its most notable users. 

It is a process-based method or framework for quality project management. Training teaches students to better manage resources and manage risk more effectively. 

Embracing technology, including flexible project management technologies like PRINCE2, is likely to increase the possibility of surviving the transformation to come. Get in contact with a training provider today and ensure your future for tomorrow.