As the impact of AI grows across industries, many workers feel they lack the necessary skills to adapt to this technological shift. A recent study from Skillsoft highlights the scale of the problem, with 74% of employees suggesting their employers are to blame for the AI skills gap due to inadequate upskilling programs. Workers are eager to learn, but without the proper support, businesses may struggle to keep pace with the demands of a rapidly evolving AI landscape.
AI’s Role in Shaping the Future Workforce
AI is transforming jobs across sectors, particularly within IT, where 92% of roles are expected to change as AI becomes more prevalent. Understandably, this has caused concern among IT professionals, with 74% expressing fear that AI will render their skills obsolete. However, the issue isn’t just about job displacement; it’s about adapting to new ways of working.
According to the Skillsoft survey, which included 2,500 employees from the US, UK, Germany, and India, 35% of respondents feel uncertain about their ability to succeed in their current roles due to a lack of skills. AI and machine learning (ML) are identified as the top competencies managers seek, but workers report significant gaps in these areas. While 43% of employees rank AI/ML as the skills they are most lacking, only 21% feel confident they can bridge this gap without proper training.
Why Upskilling Support Matters
One key takeaway from the Skillsoft survey is that workers are willing and able to learn AI skills—if only they had the opportunity. Among those who cite AI as their biggest skills gap, 74% describe their organization’s AI training programs as “average to poor.” This suggests that while the demand for AI training is high, many companies fall short of offering the robust, accessible learning resources their employees need.
Interestingly, workers who acknowledge their AI skills gap appear more confident than others about their ability to learn and grow. Only 33% of AI-deficient workers fear job insecurity due to their lack of skills, which is below the survey average. This shows a positive attitude toward AI learning, provided the right upskilling programs are available.
Why Businesses Should Prioritize AI Training
Employers who want to stay competitive must recognize the importance of investing in AI training. Gartner’s VP analyst Lily Mok stresses the need for a “holistic, longer-term” approach to workforce planning and talent development, enabling employees to stay current with evolving technologies. Despite this need, however, 95% of respondents said their organizations had development plans in place, but only 25% found them highly effective.
The biggest obstacles? Lack of time to engage in training (43%), non-user-friendly learning formats (30%), and a lack of leadership support (26%). Additionally, Gartner data indicates that less than half of employees (47%) are satisfied with career advancement opportunities, and only 37% of job openings are filled by internal candidates.
The Solution: A Continuous Learning Culture
It’s clear that businesses need to rethink their approach to upskilling, particularly when it comes to AI. Companies can’t rely solely on external hiring to fill skills gaps. Instead, they should invest in comprehensive training programs that empower employees to take charge of their own learning and career development.
Mok advises that organizations focus on what truly matters to employees, such as personalized career conversations and the use of advanced tools like AI-enabled skills management platforms. By fostering a continuous learning culture, businesses can not only bridge the AI skills gap but also boost employee engagement and retention.
Conclusion
The AI skills gap is a pressing issue that both employers and employees are aware of. While employees are confident in their ability to learn, they require better support from their organizations to upskill effectively. Companies that take proactive steps to offer robust, accessible AI training will be better equipped to stay competitive in a world where AI is increasingly integrated into everyday workflows.
- Looking to boost your team’s AI skills? Explore our AI courses and upskill your workforce today.
- Stay updated on the latest trends in AI and workforce development by reading our blog.