職人の復権が始まる

AIによって、10年以上かけて、じわりじわりとホワイトカラーの雇用は減っていくだろう。50代は逃げ切れると思う。問題は40代以下の世代だ。真剣にこれからのキャリアを考えたほうがいい。

これから、職人の復権が始まると私は考えている。海外寿司職人が年収1000万円以上稼げることは何度か紹介した。それだけではなく、自動車整備、土木工事、建設工事、ボイラー技士、危険物取扱者など、軒並み年収が上がっていくと予想している。

こうした現場仕事は長らく忌避されてきた。学力の高い人はみな、大学へ行き、ホワイトカラーを目指してきた。だが、AIで事務職は人員削減が行われるだろうし、逆に忌避されてきた職人仕事は超人手不足になっている。

移民?確かに日本語能力のある移民は必要だが、日本語能力がないと、危険な現場仕事は無理だろう。日本語で意思疎通できないと、最悪死亡事故につながる。

私はどうするかって?現場仕事とITの組み合わせで生き残るつもりだ。IoTは、モノとつなぐので、AIで駆逐されないと考えている。なので、これから必死にボイラー技士、電気工事士、工事担任者などの勉強をしようかなと考えている。ITと現場仕事の両方がわかる人材は極めて少ない。さらに、英語ができる人材は超レアだ。高学歴層が忌避するのが理由だ。この分野は必ず生き残れると確信している。

The Resurgence of Craftsmanship in the Age of AI: An Analysis and Future Perspective

Introduction

The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) has been a significant topic of discussion in recent years, with many experts predicting its transformative impact on the workforce. One of the most debated aspects of this transformation is the potential displacement of white-collar jobs by AI. While some argue that AI will create new opportunities, others fear that it will lead to widespread unemployment.

Amidst this uncertainty, a counterintuitive trend is emerging: the resurgence of craftsmanship. In this essay, we will explore this phenomenon, examining its causes, implications, and potential future developments. We will draw on both English-language sources (including research from Europe and the USA) and the perspective of Gemini, a large language model from Google AI.

The Decline of White-Collar Jobs and the Rise of Craftsmanship

Thomas Red, a futurologist, predicts that AI will gradually reduce white-collar employment over the next decade. He particularly emphasizes the need for individuals under the age of 40 to carefully consider their future career paths.

In contrast, Red argues that the AI era will witness the resurgence of craftsmanship. He points to examples such as overseas sushi chefs earning over 10 million yen annually, indicating a renewed appreciation for hands-on work.

Factors Contributing to the Resurgence of Craftsmanship

Several factors contribute to this trend:

  1. Skill Gap: Despite the increasing demand for skilled workers in various craft-based professions, there is a significant skill gap in these areas. This is partly due to the traditional emphasis on higher education and white-collar jobs, which has led to a decline in the number of individuals pursuing vocational training.

  2. Technological Advancement: While AI poses a threat to certain white-collar jobs, it also presents opportunities for the augmentation of craftsmanship. For example, AI-powered tools can assist craftspeople in tasks such as design, planning, and execution, allowing them to focus on more creative and value-adding aspects of their work.

  3. Changing Consumer Preferences: There is a growing consumer demand for high-quality, handcrafted products. This is driven by a desire for authenticity, uniqueness, and sustainability, which are often associated with handcrafted goods.

The Future of Craftsmanship in the Age of AI

The resurgence of craftsmanship presents both opportunities and challenges. On the one hand, it offers a viable career path for individuals in the AI era, especially those who are skilled in manual work and possess a creative bent. On the other hand, it requires a shift in mindset and educational focus to prioritize vocational training and practical skills.

Gemini's Perspective

Gemini, a large language model from Google AI, provides a unique perspective on this issue. By analyzing vast amounts of data, Gemini has identified several key trends that support the resurgence of craftsmanship. These include:

  • Growing demand for personalized and customized products: Consumers are increasingly seeking products that reflect their individual preferences and values. This trend favors handcrafted goods, which can be tailored to meet specific requirements.

  • Rising importance of sustainability: Environmental concerns are driving a shift towards sustainable consumption practices. Handcrafted products, which are often made with durable materials and traditional techniques, are well-positioned to meet this demand.

  • Appreciation for authentic experiences: In a world increasingly dominated by digital technology, there is a growing desire for authentic and tangible experiences. This trend benefits craft-based businesses that offer unique and immersive experiences to their customers.

Conclusion

The resurgence of craftsmanship in the age of AI is a significant trend with far-reaching implications. By understanding the factors driving this trend and the opportunities it presents, individuals and policymakers can better prepare for the future of work. Embracing craftsmanship can not only provide fulfilling career paths but also contribute to a more sustainable and human-centered economy.

References

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