In a significant initiative, the Association of Translation Companies (ATC) and several key industry organizations have launched a global dialogue on the future skills required in the language services sector. A recent survey revealed that 47% of respondents believe current language specialists lack the necessary skills for future demands, highlighting a critical skills gap that needs addressing.

The findings underscore the importance of Continual Professional Development (CPD) as a priority for industry stakeholders. Participants identified a shared responsibility for training the next generation, with 34% advocating for universities and 66% suggesting involvement from language associations, training providers, and language service companies. In response, the Canadian Language Industry Association (CLIA) is collaborating with various partners to create an AI Upskilling course aimed at enhancing the capabilities of language service providers.

For localization professionals, this initiative signals an urgent need to invest in ongoing training and development, particularly in AI and technology integration, to remain competitive in an evolving landscape.

Source: language-industry.ca