Embracing new competencies becomes essential for job applicants in the AI field
Artificial Intelligence Transforms Crafts Industry, Demanding New Skills for SMB Employees
In the ever-evolving world of work, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is making a significant impact, particularly in the crafts industry. A study by Deloitte titled "Global Human Capital Trends 2025" highlights the need for employers to rethink recruitment strategies due to the increasing importance of AI.
The shift in job requirements is centred around a reduction in demand for entry-level and repetitive task roles. Instead, there is a growing need for skills that complement AI technologies, such as AI fluency, advanced digital literacy, and the ability to manage, oversee, or work alongside AI systems.
Roles involving manual, repetitive, or data-entry tasks are most at risk of automation. AI is taking over tasks like data entry, basic research, and routine communications, leading to layoffs and reduced hiring in these functions. On the other hand, jobs requiring a bachelor’s degree, particularly those involving research, writing, and communication, are being augmented by AI rather than fully replaced.
The nature of work is changing to favour jobs that bridge domains, combine human judgement with AI capabilities, or translate between technical and business needs. The gap between displaced jobs and new AI-related jobs is significant, with new roles demanding skills centered on AI oversight, management, and integration.
For small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), particularly in the crafts industry, the key is to prepare employees to handle AI tools that augment rather than replace their work. This could include AI-enabled design tools, inventory management, customer relations, and process automation.
Training programs available or recommended include focused upskilling courses on AI fluency and practical tools, industry-specific AI workshops and certifications, partnerships with local tech hubs or educational institutions, government or industry association programs, and online platforms offering modular learning.
Jan Benz, Innovation and Technology Representative at the Chamber of Crafts Konstanz, emphasizes the need for businesses to learn how to practically use AI technology. The Mittelstand-Digital Center Crafts offers further training events, which take place partly in person and partly online.
In summary, SMB crafts industry employees need training focused on practical AI tool adoption, digital skills enhancement, and hybrid human-AI roles, moving away from purely manual or repetitive skills toward tasks requiring monitoring, decision-making, and AI collaboration. This approach mitigates risk as AI reshapes labor demand and helps SMBs remain competitive by leveraging AI efficiencies without wholesale job displacement.
References:
- AI and Jobs: What We Know and What We Need to Know
- Preparing for the Future of Work: A Guide to AI Upskilling for SMBs
- The Impact of AI on Jobs in the Crafts Industry
- AI in the Crafts Industry: A New Era of Work
- The Future of White-Collar Jobs in the Age of AI
