Lt. Governor Jon Husted visited Stark State College recently to bring together a group of local employers to discuss artificial intelligence (AI) for the workforce. Employers large and small, from healthcare to manufacturing, have reported that they are already using AI or plan to do so very soon.
AI is integrated into many facets of life and work. Enter a search term into Google. Chat with a customer service representative online. Scroll through the recommendations on your favorite streaming platform. All of these innovations are possible through AI.
Employers are using AI to make their operations more effective, efficient, safer and more engaging for employees. This is especially important in Ohio and Northeast Ohio due to talent shortages and supply chain issues.
From data analysis to customer service, AI-powered tools can handle routine functions with speed and precision, enabling employees to leverage their unique skills to solve complex problems and drive strategic initiatives. Manufacturers are using AI, automation and robotics to relieve employees of routine, manual, dirty and sometimes dangerous work so they can focus on higher-value work that requires technical skills, creativity and critical thinking.
The need for workers with AI skills is growing and will continue to grow. IT and technology roles, especially data science, are among the fastest growing jobs in our economy. AI jobs are also expected to grow outside of the technical sector, spanning a wide range of industries and professional roles.
The World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs 2023 report predicts a high demand for skills such as analytical and creative thinking related to AI and big data. Furthermore, technological innovation is expected to drive a 44% change in workers’ core skills over the next five years.
AI and machine learning are already revolutionizing our workplaces and the jobs of the future. It’s not just Silicon Valley or the “coasts” that need to be prepared for this transformation; it’s our workforce here in Ohio. As companies like Intel Corp. make historic investments in high-tech production in our state, we need to prepare workers with experience in automated production, robotics and AI.
For 64 years, Stark State College has prepared students for rewarding, high-demand jobs in our region. We were recently designated an AI for Workforce College by Intel. We are part of a select group of community colleges across the country focused on accelerating AI for local and regional employers and employees.
This fall, we will introduce two new AI certificates, developed in conjunction with Intel. These certificates are a way for students to quickly and cost-effectively improve their skills and prepare for jobs that use AI. As companies use AI to gain a competitive advantage in the marketplace, students who are educated and trained in AI can also gain a competitive advantage when seeking employment in the digital economy.
Stark State is proud to be a leader in workforce AI, providing students with the AI skills needed for high-demand careers in manufacturing, business, IT, healthcare and other sectors of our economy. The recent AI discussion, led by Lt. Governor Husted, is the first of many conversations we will continue to have with local and regional employers as we develop more AI courses to meet their needs.
As we move into this new frontier, I hope students, professionals and employers take advantage of these opportunities and be active participants in the conversation so that our community and state become known as a force in AI adoption and innovation.
For Jones is president of Stark State College, which has campuses in Stark and Summit counties.
This article originally appeared on the Repository: Stark State College preparing for the future with AI programs
