Employees naturally want to stay relevant in a changing job market. Educational institutions must modernise their curricula to prepare the next generation, and businesses need to invest in their people to capture the immense opportunities ahead.
But, while education systems adapt, organisations need to move now to build AI capabilities. According to KPMG research, 61% of employees want specific training to allow them to take advantage of GenAI. The task of creating these training opportunities falls to employers.
Read more: AI boom drives demand for training
The data makes a compelling case for action. An Accenture report in October revealed that enterprise organisations using AI achieved 2.5-times higher revenue growth and 2.4-times productivity gains over their peers. In today's competitive landscape, AI adoption isn't just about gaining an edge, it's becoming essential for long-term success.
While the need to retrain and upskill employees is clear, the real question is how. Success depends on implementing practical steps: understanding skills gaps, identifying opportunities in each department, creating a culture of continuous learning, and aligning hiring strategies to these new business requirements. But most importantly, organisations need to start now.
This urgency to act raises important questions about how companies should approach their talent strategy. Hiring skilled technology staff is already a significant challenge for UK businesses, and finding AI experts at scale is simply unrealistic. Replacing existing staff would sacrifice valuable experience and relationships while damaging team morale and culture. Success lies in integration, not replacement: bringing in strategic new talent while developing your existing workforce.
This is where technology companies must step up to the challenge. As the drivers of this AI revolution, they have a crucial role to play. As their innovations transform workplaces, they must help organisations manage this transition successfully. These companies understand that AI's impact depends on comprehensive workforce development; it's not just about access to powerful tools but building the skills to use them effectively.
Online learning platforms have emerged as the most scalable way to deliver critical training, providing up-to-date content that evolves as quickly as the technology itself.
Read more: HR falls behind employees in embracing AI
Opportunities to learn AI must also support companies’ existing responsibilities around equality of opportunity. The data shows a concerning trend: while women are disproportionately represented in roles most likely to be impacted by AI, they're not getting equal access to AI training opportunities.
In the UK, despite record-breaking enrolment in GenAI courses on Coursera, only 28% of learners are women. This gap isn't just a diversity issue, it's a business imperative. Companies must move beyond just making training available and actively encourage participation through structured development plans.
Reskilling the workforce for AI requires shared commitment, but the immediate responsibility lies in two places: with businesses that need to empower their workforce, and with tech companies whose innovations are reshaping how we work. Those who act now will be best placed to succeed in the future.
Nikolaz Foucaud is managing director EMEA for the online learning platform Coursera
