Changing Tides

Having recently joined the business team, I've been trying to do a bit of research about the shift in the job market thanks to technology. Actually though, I just came across this article by happenstance, which was reviewing the weeks new tech announcements but had just the information I had been looking for. Namely, this graph:

The job market has always and will always shift as a result of technological advancements, so I've not been terribly concerned that people in shrinking industries will be out of the job and out of luck for the rest of their lives. They will adapt. What does interest me then, is the kinds of jobs we're losing, and the possible effect that will have in the shaping of the next generation. As the above graph indicates, many of the industries that are losing steam traditionally require a lesser degree of expertise. Many of these jobs appeal to those who do not have an opportunity to pursue higher education, or do not wish to do so (there are obvious exceptions to this generalization - banking, newspapers, pharmaceuticals, etc.). Anyway, what will happen when the demographic that is attracted to these jobs is forced to adapt to a level that requires more training, education, etc. What will happen to the high school students, the empty-nesters with a bit too much time on their hands, the young men who can't go to school because they have to support their family? I suppose my question here is, will we really all adapt to the tech era? When tablets take over the role of restaurant servers and kiosks take over the role of grocers, will people be willing to make the jump to jobs like information technology or online publishing?

Really though, this is not nearly as black and white as I'm making it out to be. Of course there will always be a broad range of jobs, but I can't help but wonder if this shift might have real implications on the way we educate and bring up the next generation. Maybe for those already in the workforce it will be difficult to bridge the gap, but perhaps more of our children will be able to fit into the mold of the emerging job market. Further then, might this indicate the possibility of a future generation that is more motivated to excel academically, knowing that menial jobs will be fewer and far between? Might America become more seriously competitive on a global scale? Lots of questions here, not a lot of answers, but I'm looking forward to pursuing the topic it further.