AI Is Changing The Game, But Not The Goal
The pace of change in tech is relentless. Artificial intelligence is reshaping the way we build software, offering everything from code-suggesting tools to virtual teammates that can help take projects over the finish line. So, it’s easy to wonder if traditional skills are still relevant.
To explore this, we spoke with Garth Gilmour, a Learning Consultant at Liberty IT, who is at the forefront of helping our engineers stay ahead of the curve, helping them build skills that keep pace with a fast-changing industry.
Life as a Learning Consultant
We sat down with Garth to talk about the rise of AI and ask if coding fundamentals are still the foundation of a great career in software engineering.
Garth, how would you describe your role at Liberty IT?
Within the Learning & Development team we help our software engineers keep their skills on the leading edge, from the day they start with us. As a Learning Consultant, my main role is to keep all our technical training programmes under review.
Mostly I work with our training partners to ensure ongoing programmes are relevant and contemporary, and to commission new programs as required. I also help organise internal events, coach folks intending to present at conferences, and deliver internal workshops.
Last but not least, I’m also an active member of our STEM employee resource group, where I deliver guest lectures at universities.
What motivated you to teach rather than directly apply your skills in software development?
Teaching is directly applying your skills! Educators, advocates, and consultants are continuously writing code. From small programs that illuminate a key technical point to complete applications that serve as exemplars of an architectural style.
Most software engineers spend a majority of their time engaging with stakeholders, understanding requirements and reviewing existing code, so an educator frequently writes more code in any given day than a full time developer, simply because they have more room to manoeuvre.
Coding Fundamentals Are The Bedrock Of Great Software Engineering
What impact has AI had on Software Development, and is AI changing how developers work?
GenAI is revolutionising the software industry by enabling experienced developers to become more productive and junior developers to upskill faster. Soon Agentic AI will enable virtual assistants to join software teams. These are all tremendously positive advances which should be celebrated.
However, we must never forget the most important language model to train is the one between your ears. Students may never gain the deep understanding of coding that lets them debug complex issues.
Prompt engineering may effortlessly take projects to 80% completion but then stall progress. Virtual team members may carry out actions that have unintended consequences. We need to ensure there is always a human in the loop to guard against these issues.
Garth, why is it still important to focus on coding fundamentals?
Time spent learning about coding, testing, building, and deploying software is never wasted. It may not be as exciting as the current ‘shiny thing’, but it never goes out of style.
Even in a world of Generative AI. Strong coding skills are a strong foundation on which you can build a successful and long-lasting career in software engineering.
The Evolving Coding Landscape
What aspects of coding are changing the fastest right now?
Ironically, the most rapidly evolving aspect of coding is convergence. The past few decades saw an era of ‘polyglot programming’ when many different programming languages were created, and multiple coding styles were explored.
We’re now in a period of consolidation, where industry has decided what features are essential to a modern programming language, and these features are being added to all popular languages.
Making Tech Accessible
Is it ever too late to start a career in tech?
There are no barriers to learning new skills at any age. When it comes to tech, all the educational resources you might need are available online, and the average laptop is powerful enough to let you create all kinds of applications.
Tech as a Human-First Industry
You’ve talked about the “human touch” in tech — what do you mean by that?
Even in an AI-powered world, tech is built on people. Technology will always evolve, but the connections we build and the way we support each other are what make a lasting difference.
Interested In A Career In Tech?
At Liberty IT, we believe that continuous learning and strong fundamentals are the keys to a successful and fulfilling tech career. We're passionate about inspiring the next generation of tech talent, and our Learning and Development programmes are designed to help keep skills on the leading edge.
If you’re excited about a career where you can combine your technical prowess with cutting-edge technology, then explore our open roles and find your next opportunity with us.
