A new analysis has found that artificial intelligence (AI) will not make critical Australian IT jobs obsolete, but instead enhance productivity by automating routine tasks and freeing workers to focus on complex, high-value work.
AI Boosting Efficiency in IT Jobs
According to research by education giant Pearson, Australian software developers, systems analysts, and network architects could save between 4.5 to 7 hours per week within the next five years through effective AI integration.
That’s nearly a full workday that can be reinvested into innovation, strategic planning, and creativity.
Craig McFarlane, Pearson Asia Pacific Executive, said IT jobs must be redesigned to unlock hidden capacity:
“AI is creating space – time that we can reinvest in upskilling, creativity, and innovation.”
Early AI Adoption
Pearson’s study analyzed the impact of 34 emerging technologies across 76,600 tasks, predicting that companies that adapt early will close skills gaps, boost retention, and double output without expanding headcount.
AI Across Industries: From Finance to Mining
While this study focused on IT, other sectors are rapidly embracing AI and robotic process automation (RPA):
- Finance and banking – leaders in AI adoption for fraud detection and data analytics.
- Healthcare – investing in AI-driven diagnostics and patient management.
- Mining – using automation for safety, maintenance, and operational efficiency.
- Retail and logistics – deploying AI for demand forecasting, warehouse management, and supply chain optimization.
McFarlane emphasized that across industries, the goal is to redeploy talent, not replace it, enabling workers to focus on collaboration and growth-focused tasks.
Education Sector Embracing AI Responsibly
Schools are also beginning to explore AI’s potential.
St Mary MacKillop College in Canberra has integrated generative AI tools to help students refine ideas, improve writing, and receive instant feedback.
Digital learning coordinator Trent Wilson highlighted the importance of safe, ethical, and critical use of AI in education:
“This is about preparing students for a future where AI literacy is essential.”
AI is Not Replacing Teachers
Students in Years 7–10 use Education Perfect, an AI feedback tool, while senior students use Perplexity, a research chatbot that helps them evaluate sources critically.
The school insists AI is not replacing teachers but instead supporting them by reducing workloads, identifying learning gaps, and allowing for more one-on-one mentoring.
AI as a Tool for Growth, Not Job Loss
Experts stress that AI should be viewed as an augmenting tool, not a threat to employment.
From IT professionals to teachers, the evidence shows AI is helping workers become more efficient and innovative, not redundant.
“AI is best seen as a tool to augment human expertise,” said Shane Smith, co-founder of Education Perfect. “The human element – trust, mentorship, and creativity – cannot be replicated by AI.”
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