The CEO of WSP Global Inc., Alexandre L'Heureux, has described artificial intelligence as a 'great thing' for the engineering sector, particularly in addressing ongoing labour shortages. Speaking at a conference in Montreal, L'Heureux emphasized that AI technologies are not a threat to jobs but rather a tool to enhance productivity and attract new talent to the field.
AI as a solution to labour challenges
L'Heureux noted that the engineering industry has been grappling with a significant shortage of skilled workers, a problem that AI can help mitigate. 'AI allows us to automate routine tasks, freeing up our engineers to focus on more complex and creative work,' he said. 'This makes the profession more appealing to young people who are looking for innovative and impactful careers.'
Productivity gains and talent attraction
The CEO highlighted that WSP Global has already integrated AI into several projects, resulting in faster design processes and improved accuracy. 'We are seeing productivity gains of 20 to 30 percent in some areas,' L'Heureux added. 'This not only helps us deliver projects more efficiently but also positions us as a forward-thinking employer.'
He also stressed that AI is a complement to human expertise, not a replacement. 'The best outcomes come from combining human judgment with AI capabilities,' he said. 'We are investing heavily in training our workforce to work alongside AI systems.'
Industry-wide implications
WSP Global, one of the world's leading engineering and professional services firms, is at the forefront of adopting AI in the sector. L'Heureux believes that other companies will follow suit, leading to a transformation of the industry. 'AI is not just a trend; it is a fundamental shift in how we approach engineering,' he concluded.
