AI in your workplace
The buzz about AI is showing no signs of abating, and in 2024, we’re seeing businesses getting serious about introducing AI and machine learning technologies into their companies. In fact, our recent research, which surveyed 250 HR leaders in medium to large organisations in the UK, found that one in two HR leaders (48%) say their organisation is fully prepared to start integrating AI into their workplace in the next 12 months, and a further 11% has already started to integrate AI technology into their business.
New AI solutions are creating new roles and skills
We’re currently experiencing a transformation in how we work, and this shift demands new skills and roles. Our study found that AI and machine learning engineers are the most in-demand technical roles for 2024, with 61% of organisations polled looking to recruit for these roles. They are followed by cybersecurity specialists (60%), data scientists (59%), business analysts (56%), and software engineers (56%).
As the rollout of new AI technologies, like ChatGPT, Bard and Copilot, continues at pace to boost productivity and drive efficiency, organisations also need to ensure their people have the requisite skills to harness and manage these new tools. Currently, a worrying 43% of UK staff haven’t been provided workplace training for any digital tools or new technologies in the past year. And less than one in ten (9%) employees said they had received training on AI tools, such as ChatGPT, in the past 12 months, while 10% haven’t had training on how to use data analytics tools, such as Tableau or advanced Excel.
Forward-looking companies who are embedding AI and data tools now have to ensure their people, across all departments, in all roles and at all levels, are equipped with the fundamental AI, machine learning and data skills needed to integrate these evolving technologies into their workstreams successfully. Investing in workplace training and embedding a culture of continuous learning around AI and data skills will be crucial for their success and for the teams charged with implementing these new tools and technologies.
How to upskill: The benefits of workplace training in AI
We believe that workplace-based learning and development in AI and data technologies is imperative for success in today’s world across a wide range of business functions. That’s why we’ve embedded the ‘Fundamentals of AI’ training modules into our apprenticeship and professional learning and development programmes, whether learners are studying for a data, digital and technology qualification or broader management and leadership apprenticeships.
In today’s fast-evolving workplace, all employees, at all levels, should have access to training in foundational knowledge of AI and its applications and opportunities to learn about the ethics around utilising AI and related technologies. With foundational skills in AI and data, teams, managers and leaders can make better decisions, take advantage of new opportunities, and safeguard against the risks associated with the rollout of AI tools in the workplace, such as data security and cyber security.
Embracing AI skills developement
We’re only just beginning to discover what tasks and processes AI is capable of helping us with. By upskilling in the fundamental AI skills now, you can future-proof your career and set yourself up for success. If your organisation isn’t already Implementing workplace training programmes in AI and data, I encourage you to speak with your HR and Learning and Development teams about what opportunities there are to create training in these critical new skills to benefit you, your team, and the wider organisation.
Written by Jina Melnyk, Managing Director of Custom Solutions, Corndel
An experienced MD, CFO, and senior leadership executive, Jina has a passion for developing other executives to be their best selves, challenging them to do the unexpected, and building their confidence. Jina and her team have a track record of equipping leaders with the capabilities and skills necessary to meet organisational objectives in today’s challenging times. In doing so, leaders transform themselves, others, and the business.
First published on WeAreTechWomen
