The State Duma proposed a retraining program for pre-retirees due to the introduction of AI

Russia should introduce a state program for professional retraining of employees of pre-retirement age in the automation of workplaces and the introduction of artificial intelligence (AI). Yaroslav Samylin, a State Duma deputy from the New People faction, made a corresponding proposal on June 20.

"It is advisable to form a mechanism in which, in the case of workplace automation, employees of pre—retirement age are proactively invited to undergo specialized retraining to move to the positions of operators or supervisors of the implemented systems," RIA Novosti quotes an appeal addressed to the head of the Ministry of Labor Anton Kotyakov.

According to the author of the initiative, the state program will reduce the burden on employers during the digital transformation of enterprises and ensure a smoother adaptation of employees.

Samylin noted that the existing vocational training system is mainly aimed at young people, while older workers need special programs for mastering digital skills.

It clarifies that older employees have valuable experience and a deep understanding of work processes, and skills in working with neural networks could increase their demand.

In addition, the introduction of AI and automation pose the risk of losing demand for experienced workers due to a lack of digital competencies. According to Samylin, affordable training courses will help older people keep employed, and businesses retain qualified personnel.

People and leaks: why domestic business refuses to implement AI

The main reason is the high risk to data security and confidentiality.

On June 6, the head of the Ministry of Digital Affairs, Maksut Shadaev, told Izvestia that the Ministry of Digital Development, together with the Ministry of Education, plans to launch a comprehensive teacher training program in the use of modern AI tools.

Chairman of the Presidential Council for the Development of Civil Society and Human Rights (HRC) Valery Fadeev said on June 2 that the development of AI in the educational field would lead not to a reduction, but to an increase in the need for personnel. According to the head of the HRC, the industry is currently in a phase of inevitable changes.