AI confidence crisis prompts urgent call for UK upskilling

Research has highlighted an AI confidence crisis among employees in the UK, with 74% expressing concerns about incorporating AI into their roles.

The survey, conducted by AI Quest, unveiled the extent to which employees feel unprepared to utilise AI at work. Findings indicate that 75% of participants do not fully comprehend how to harness AI effectively in their daily tasks.

Aligning with the World Economic Forum's Future of Jobs Report 2023, which forecasts that nearly half of all job skills will undergo transformation over the next five years, this study underscores the urgent need for workforce upskilling and reskilling. The report also anticipates that a quarter of job roles will change within the next two years.

Jonny Phillips, Managing Director at Strive Training, stated: "With AI playing a bigger role in the future of work, the findings emphasise the urgency of upskilling our workforce. This isn't just about keeping up with technology – it's about making sure employees feel equipped to take on the jobs of tomorrow. As the WEF report highlights, reskilling and upskilling are not one-time efforts but an ongoing investment in our future workforce. It's time for employers to step up and provide the support their teams need to thrive."

The findings show a disconnect between employees' desire to learn AI skills and the training provided by employers. Although 89% of the respondents expressed eagerness to learn AI integration, 40% have not received any training, with 23% of those who had training noting it did not meet their expectations.

Additionally, 17% of those trained described the instruction as basic. A significant portion of employees, 60%, indicated a preference for hands-on training that reflects real-world applications of AI. Meanwhile, 17% of survey participants advocated for more engaging, gamified learning experiences to bolster their AI skills.

Peer-to-peer learning emerged as a potential remedy, as 24% of the workforce felt motivated by their colleagues' proficiency with AI, suggesting a communal approach could enhance learning and adoption of skills. However, 13% reported feeling intimidated by the expertise showcased by their peers.

Phillips further explained: "AI skills are becoming increasingly essential, offering the potential to transform job roles by streamlining tasks, enabling new opportunities for innovation, and unlocking opportunities for growth and profitability. By empowering teams to work smarter and enabling businesses to operate more efficiently, it can enhance both organisational performance and employee satisfaction. However, the gap in understanding how to use AI effectively impacts workers' ability to perform their roles efficiently and find satisfaction in their work. Practical, interactive training approaches, such as gamification and rewards, are crucial in making this transition smoother."

In response to these concerns, Strive Training has introduced AI Quest, an interactive learning session aimed at equipping employees with necessary AI skills and confidence. The learning experience is designed to suit employees across various levels and is delivered in-person to maximise engagement and understanding.