3358: Pearson Research Challenges the Myth of AI Replacing Tech Jobs

What if the average UK tech worker could reclaim almost an entire workday each week without extra hours simply by harnessing AI tools like ChatGPT and robotic process automation more effectively?

In this episode, I sit down with Oliver Latham from Pearson’s Enterprise Learning and Skills division, to unpack research revealing how intelligent automation frees tech professionals from repetitive tasks and opens space for creative strategic collaboration.

Instead of fuelling fears of mass job losses, the data reveals a more optimistic human‑centred view of how AI will reshape roles, reshuffling responsibilities rather than replacing people.

Oliver and I discuss which tasks are most ripe for automation, for example code refactoring to backup procedures, and how that shift could alleviate the UK’s tech skills shortage by letting workers focus on high impact projects. We weigh potential challenges too and note that organisations will need to rethink job design, invest in upskilling power skills such as communication and learning agility and build a culture of continuous development.

As we look ahead we explore how large language models and robotic process automation differ in their impact across roles, why learning cultures must evolve to deliver micro learning at the point of need alongside robust credentials and how teams can reorganise around a new division of labour that includes both human and AI agents. Oliver offers practical advice for tech leaders wondering where to start and how to maintain agility as change accelerates.

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by AI hype or are curious how automation could give you back precious hours each week, this conversation offers fresh perspectives on AI’s real value in tech.

How would you redesign your job if you had an extra day each week, what would you stop doing and what would you start?