The Crucial Role of AI Upskilling in the Modern Workforce 

Artificial intelligence has arrived, and it’s not going anywhere. Businesses of all shapes and sizes, across all industries, are now facing the same challenge: either adapt and embrace AI, or run the risk of falling behind. Thankfully, many businesses are rising to that challenge. According to one report, AI use in the workplace accelerated by 24% in Q1 2024, with one in four desk workers saying they have tried the technology. Roughly 80% of those that have tried AI say it’s already improving their productivity.  

However, the democratised nature of AI means that many employees are using AI on their own initiative, rather than as part of a cohesive and coordinated move by their businesses to integrate AI with their operations. That’s creating a lack of oversight, and it’s putting executives under pressure to implement AI quickly. In the same report referenced above, a staggering 50% of executives said they were concerned about the sheer availability of AI tools and felt a “high degree of urgency” to incorporate them.  

What’s more, there is an emerging skills gap, which in a recent Government report, was estimated to cost the UK economy £63 billion per year.  While some employees are happy to run with AI and leverage it to their advantage – either on their own terms or as part of a business initiative – there are countless others who are feeling left behind. The same report found that 7.5 million people, or 18% of UK adults, lacked the essential digital skills that are needed for the workplace. The truth is that, in order for AI to be truly effective, everybody in the business needs to get behind it. The ability to understand and work alongside AI is quickly becoming essential, not just for tech specialists, but for the entire workforce.  

The Growing Influence of AI in the Workplace 

AI is no longer a distant concept confined to tech companies or research labs; it has become an integral part of everyday business operations across virtually every industry. In healthcare, AI-driven diagnostic tools assist doctors in identifying diseases more quickly and accurately, reducing the time between diagnosis and treatment. In finance, AI algorithms analyse vast amounts of data in real-time to detect fraudulent activities, helping institutions safeguard assets and maintain trust. Manufacturing sectors are also leveraging AI to streamline production lines, predict equipment failures, and reduce waste, thereby increasing efficiency and lowering costs. Even the smallest retail companies are now leveraging AI to help in their sales efforts, predicting consumer trends and personalising offers. AI is not replacing people, but it is enhancing their productivity and boosting their capabilities. It’s a tool, and like any other tool, it’s only as effective as the hands wielding it.  

The workforce therefore needs to evolve, so that everybody can at least work with and alongside AI. Not everybody needs to be an AI specialist, but like any other new tool, people need to be trained how to understand it and there needs to be a baseline level of competency. We call this “AI literacy”. Simply put, employees who are AI literate are better equipped to innovate, solve problems, and make data-driven decisions, all of which are crucial in today’s business environment.  

The Emerging Skills Gap 

As businesses grow, they are more likely to adopt AI. In a report on  AI Activity in UK business it was found that 68% of large companies, 34% of medium sized companies and 15% of small companies have adopted at least one AI technology; the latter make up the majority of the UK business landscape and hence drive the UK average result of a 15% adoption rate. As technology evolves at pace, there are some bright, digitally-savvy individuals that find it easy to stay on the pulse. However, there are some equally bright and experienced employees who might feel left behind in the AI boom. According to Consult’s IBM Global AI Index, limited AI expertise or knowledge is the number one barrier to business-wide AI adoption. This is where targeted upskilling becomes essential; providing training that demystifies AI and teaches practical applications helps bridge the knowledge gap, enabling all employees to contribute effectively at the same level.  

It’s a common misconception that only younger generations are equipped to adapt to new technologies like AI. While younger workers may have grown up with digital tools, older employees bring decades of experience and a deep understanding of their industries. This experience of adaptability, combined with new AI skills, can be incredibly powerful. Providing older workers with the opportunity to upskill not only helps them remain relevant but also allows organisations to leverage their expertise in new ways.  

Creating a Culture of Lifelong Learning 

Companies that prioritise ongoing education and skill development are simply better positioned to adapt to market changes and seize new opportunities. This commitment to continuous learning should extend to all employees, regardless of their current skill level or position within the company. When organisations actively support learning, they not only enhance the capabilities of their workforce but also inspire a mindset of curiosity and innovation. 

This should be a cultural initiative, one that not only equips workers with the necessary AI skills to thrive in their respective fields, but weaves AI into the fabric of their business. Take the “AI for the Current Workforce” programme as an example. It’s an initiative based on a collaboration between Netcom Training and Intel targeting “at risk” workforces that need to upskill. Rather than delivering across-the-board training workshops, it delivers highly targeted modules designed to meet the needs of a diverse range of ages and experience levels, so that no employee is left behind. Equipping the workforce with the knowledge and insights needed to effectively drive economic growth in an AI-powered world, the course also aids in the design of AI prototypes using low or no-code tools, giving businesses access to AI functionality that they themselves have a stake in.  

By introducing a lifelong learning culture to the workplace, where skills are taught based on individual needs rather than the needs of a particular role, businesses can start building a workforce that can approach AI with a quiet confidence, positioning them well to ride the AI wave.