Microtechnology

The micro chip and the use of computer technology are invading many areas of life, but particularly work. The greatest impact of micro-electronic technology is being felt in the work force as repetitive processes on production lines, in offices and at other workplaces, are being increasingly controlled and performed by micro technology. As this occurs, the number of workers required for production decreases; the work of several accomplished by few, operating more sophisticated machines. A further job-reducing spin-off of micro technology is the reduction of the size and weight of products where bulky parts have been replaced by the micro-chip. Reduction in weight and size requires less material for production and packaging, smaller storage space arid less transportation; all factors in turn requiring fewer people and diminishing the number of jobs.

All indications are that these trends will continue with a corresponding, enormous loss of jobs. Other jobs will and have been created in the area of design of computers and in the design and creation of programming software for computers. Although the number of the jobs created has been fewer than the number lost in the manufacturing and service sectors, people skilled in design, programming and information systems are in increasingly short supply.

Unfortunately, those workers displaced by technology are ill-equipped to fill those jobs created by technology. Women are the most vulnerable to displacement by technology, particularly in the clerical and service sectors and are experiencing the greatest loss. "Estimates of possible unemployment rates range from a level of 10% in 1985, to a high of 35% by 1990."*

* Who Turns the Wheel?, Science Council of Canada.

The post-secondary education system will have a particular responsibility for training and retraining women clerical workers to enter positions in demand.

Work in all areas of microtechnology, other than operation, requires high school and post secondary training in mathematics and science. Women have traditionally been discouraged from studying maths and sciences in all levels of the education system. As a result of this discouragement, many are ill- prepared to acquire the skills needed to benefit from new opportunities in the labour force created by micro-electronic technology.

Programs and courses oriented to women to assist them to upgrade mathematics and science skills are required, as well as computer literacy courses. Extensive efforts at re-training displaced clerical workers for new opportunities are needed now. The post-secondary education system has a responsibility to assist in the process.