The Information Technology (IT) Industry Sector Partnership Forum shines light on the future changes that Artificial Intelligence (AI) brings to the RGV’s Workforce.
Workforce Solutions (WFS), in partnership with the Pharr Economic Development Corporation, hosted the first IT Industry Sector Partnership Forum on October 2nd at the Pharr One Facility. The forum provided valuable insights regarding the workforce availability, educational programs, infrastructure capacity and economic growth potential in the IT cross-industry sector. Relevant discussions led by subject experts identified skill gaps, labor shortages, and strategies to prepare for upcoming changes in the future of work.
Additionally, the use of new AI-based technologies was highlighted to assist business owners and employees take advantage and increase work productivity. Innovative products to assist individuals with disabilities navigate work environments, and daily activities, was also presented. Experts were encouraged to share their knowledge and experiences with AI driven apps such as Chat-GPT for creating quick blogs and sales pitches, to apps like Seeing AI and Be My Eyes, which focus on making daily challenges for people who are visually impaired a little easier.
One of the key discussion topics during the forum was artificial intelligence and its implications for the labor force and beyond. Goldman Sachs recently reported that AI is estimated to impact 300M jobs across different global industries. WFS is initially estimating that the adoption of AI technologies in the Rio Grande Valley (RGV) has the potential to generate an economic impact of more than $1.06 Billion by 2030. Furthermore, the implications for those industries with high adoption of AI may create occupational shifts of more than 157,000 jobs, or 34%, of the current employment in the RGV.
“The IT Industry Sector Partnership Forum provided a unique opportunity for IT professionals to discuss and collaborate on solutions to the challenges facing the industry and the region.” said Francisco Almaraz, WFS Chief Executive Officer. “By working together, we can share new information, with the business community and general public, to create a more resilient and adaptable workforce that is capable of meeting the needs of the ever-changing IT industry.”
“The IT ISP workshop was a prime example of how diverse the resources at Workforce Solution are, by showing informative and professionally researched information on the effects and benefits of technologies such as artificial iIntelligence.” said Drew Lentz, Engineering Product Manager at Cisco Meraki. “The presentations hosted by Workforce Solutions are a staunch call to action for employers, employees, and students of the Rio Grande Valley.”
For more information on the IT Industry Sector Partnership Forum, please contact businessrelations@wfsolutions.org
Workforce Solutions serves as the governing body for the workforce development area that includes Hidalgo, Willacy, and Starr counties. The primary goal of the WFS Board is to respond to the needs of local employers and workers through locally designed, demand-driven workforce development initiatives.
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