Labor market: Government and BA see job opportunities through AI

Berlin. In view of fears of job losses due to AI, the federal government and the Federal Employment Agency (BA) have called for optimism and an offensive approach to the technology. Federal Labor Minister Alexander Schweitzer (SPD) announced at the government's digital summit at the beginning of 2027 an online training offer with which employees and anyone interested could acquire a basic understanding of artificial intelligence (AI). “Those who use the technology safely and competently often have better prospects on the job market,” said his ministry.

AI will not reduce the overall need for employment, said Enzo Weber from the BA's Institute for Labor Market and Occupational Research. Technology would bring investments and new business models, productivity and income would increase, and new jobs would be created. The group of highly qualified employees has continued to grow immensely since 2022. Obviously something new is emerging. "It asks about the ability to abstract, learn, self-organize, and be flexible in terms of content. So you can make cool jobs out of it."

There is some concern and fear, but you shouldn't let that guide you, said Schweitzer. The opportunities are much greater than the worries. “We are a bit very much in minor tones in politics and also in the economy,” he added.

Weber warned against only considering crafts when starting a career out of fear of AI. Instead, young people should look at where their strengths are and what they want to do. "And if it's a craft, then they should be interested in crafts. But please not because you're worried about AI, but then you go into a profession that is most affected by AI and make the future there."