Machine learning and automation are quickly becoming topics of interest among those looking towards the future. This is because the nature of AI is going from sci-fi concept to reality. Machines are learning to perform basic tasks with expedited efficiency. Synced with internet databases such as the cloud, a custom, fully autonomous approach to basic work is quite possible.

So, this begs the question: what will happen to the jobs?

Right now, machines are capable of replacing basic, minimum wage. Automated registers, machine baristas, hands on the factory line, all that can be done by a robot. Who can compete with something faster and doesn’t need to be paid?

This is an all too likely reality. Machines don’t get sick, don’t go home, don’t need payment, don’t take vacation days, and don’t get sick.

But, there is a solution. And in fact, it comes from training and modernization of jobs.

The idea behind automation is to make things easier for people, not harder. We have robots and smart machines handle basic, repetitive tasks, leaving us to focus on larger projects. But, if we replace a person, we need to have them in a new position, right?

This is where training comes in, or at least, is the idea. Our world is fast shifting to one which is data driven and technologically reliant. However, our current education and economic system is still a bit slow to the draw, as there are not enough skilled workers to fill the positions related to IT, automation, and future driven jobs.

Training a new workforce for these areas is, ultimately, what will help curb the threat of losing jobs to automation. Machines still need to run all the time. They still need coding, maintenance and someone to build them.

They also need a network of software and information to pull from. Big data, IT, security and more components to technology are all avenues where the human element comes in. And it’s an industry which is rapidly growing.

For example, a massive ransomware attack occurred over 1000 UK hospitals, targeting old Windows XP infrastructure. This is an area of modern IT security, something that’s only going to get more dangerous as time goes on. Thus, there’s demand, and thus, it needs a great deal of training to fill these roles.

So, while automation could in fact replace every basic, minimum wage position at some point, an entire new workforce for a modern economy is appearing. The replacement might be an IT analyst for a starting company, or support specialist, or something tangibly related to technology.  The globe is modernizing on numerous levels, and training individuals to meet the change is what keeps us from facing an economic jobs crisis.