Artificial intelligence and the jobs most at risk in Australia
The founder of a computer app that uses AI to teach maths to children fears computer programmers are among many workers under threat from artificial intelligence.
Large language models that can simultaneously process information and give human-like responses are threatening to upend the labour market, even outdoing the changes unleashed by the internet during the 1990s.
Mohamad Jebara, the co-founder of online learning platform Mathspace, said even entry-level IT coding jobs could go as AI became more advanced.
‘AI programs are able to code, which could remove entry level computer programming jobs,’ he told Daily Mail Australia.
Mr Jebara, a former financial markets derivatives trader turned tech entrepreneur, said entry-level legal jobs, often done by university law students, could also be replaced by AI.
The founder of a computer app that uses AI to teach maths to children fears computer programmers are under threat from artificial intelligence (pictured is a stock image)
‘Document review and legal research can be replaced by AI, as well as contract reviews and preparing legal documents,’ he said.
Overseas backpackers on farms could also be replaced as AI enables robots to plant seeds and harvest crops.
‘AI can manage farms more efficiently, using drones and robots for tasks like planting and harvesting,’ Mr Jebara said.
AI could also replace customer service jobs, including those who take calls.
‘Many companies are already improving their online communication with customers through AI powered chat,’ Mr Jebara said.
AI could also lead to driverless vehicles, which would negate the need for bus or taxi drivers.
‘The development of autonomous vehicles will remove the need for drivers of vehicles like trains, buses, trucks and taxis, even drones and other air transport vehicles,’ Mr Jebara said.
Online banking has already led to banks closing branches, from the city centre to regional areas.
But Mr Jebara said AI would accelerate that.
‘Online banking and automation are reducing the need for physical bank branches and staff,’ he said.
Manufacturing jobs are also regarded as being under threat as AI led to even more automation on the production line.
‘Especially those involved in repetitive tasks will likely be replaced by machines,’ he said.
Overseas backpackers on farms could also be replaced as AI enables robots to plant seeds and harvest crops (pictured is a citrus orchard in Australia)
Mohamad Jebara, the co-founder of online learning platform Mathspace, said even entry-level IT coding jobs could go as AI becomes more advanced
Mathspace uses OpenAI’s GPT-4 to provide interactive online lessons for children.
While it won’t replace the classroom teacher, it could replace the tutor if enough kids benefit from a chatbot puppy called Milo who can help them solve equations and know how advanced they are.
‘When students have follow-up questions with Milo, their engagement increases,’ Mr Jebara said.
‘It’s no longer a one-sided interaction, and it will continue to improve to be more conversational.
‘While AI can’t single-handedly resolve the teacher shortage crisis or ever replace teachers, Mathspace serves as a vital tool, bridging the gap created by the dwindling numbers of maths-trained educators, and enhancing their impact in the classroom.’
Mathspace was co-founded by Mr Jebara, Chris Velis and Alvin Savoy in 2010 and is used by 3,432 schools in Australia and another 3,557 schools overseas.