Closing the AI skills gap

A widening AI skills gap is preventing UK businesses from unlocking the full potential of AI. 73% of UK workers have had no formal AI training, despite almost two-thirds of workers reporting using AI. This disconnect between training and use is one of the greatest barriers to seamless AI integration across workflows and business processes. Only 1% of leaders report that their companies are mature on the deployment spectrum.  

 

The UK government’s AI action plan is a step in the right direction, especially with the focus on investing in training and education. To convert this investment into meaningful initiatives that deliver results, the government should look to equally dedicate resources towards AI education in schools and universities, to reduce the skills gap for those entering the workforce, and balance the hiring of external AI talent with upskilling internal teams, to drive confidence and ensure the technology is being used to its full potential across businesses and thus delivering ROI.  

 

Whilst the government’s AI action plan will assist in decreasing the skills gap, especially for the future workforce, businesses must also do more to ensure they are enabling their employees to develop the correct AI skills.  

 

 

Closing the skills gap for the future workforce 

AI literacy must become a national priority. Currently, the UK lacks the institutional structure for AI training and education, not only in the workplace but in schools and universities, leaving a growing gap between demand and capability. Closing the gap is critical for businesses, as it directly impacts innovation, productivity, and competitiveness.  

 

Eight in ten students report using AI tools in their school work, but uncertainty around when and how to use it affects their confidence. Over half of students want more clarity from their schools and teachers on when and how they should be using AI tools for their schoolwork. Without structured guidance and education, students risk entering the workforce without confidence or the correct understanding of AI tools. 

 

The government must embed AI education into school and university curricula, not just as a one-off but as a long-term national priority to futureproof the workforce. In classrooms, AI tools like ChatGPT should be embraced, not feared, with students being taught how to effectively utilise the tools. Early exposure will give students the competence and familiarity that will be required by future employers. This will ensure the skills gap becomes narrower and the talent pool grows stronger.  

 

 

Hiring external AI talent vs upskilling internal teams 

The demand for specialised AI talent has created the biggest tech skills shortage in over 15 years. Businesses must now focus on developing their existing talent to meet these demands.   

 

Hiring specialist AI talent remains essential for businesses, particularly for highly technical roles that immediately need filling. But businesses that overly rely on external hires run the risk of creating internal knowledge siloes, which will prevent businesses from adopting AI across wider teams. Upskilling existing employees by providing AI training is equally imperative for successful adoption.  

 

For upskilling to be effective and worthwhile, businesses must implement training that is flexible, tailored, easily available, and supported by the business and investments. This will boost adoption and strengthen internal innovation capabilities.   

 

 

Short pilot phases mean long-term success 

Many businesses are rushing to deploy various AI models, investing large funds into these deployments before ensuring they are ready internally. Rushing into deployment could be the reason businesses struggle with AI adoption, as it can mean poor integration, misuse, and underwhelming outcomes. 

 

When integrating AI, whether it be agentic systems or LLMs, into existing workflows and business processes, leaders must do so with care and precision to ensure long-term success rather than simply adding  AI to keep up with business trends. This is where short pilot phases become of the utmost importance for successful AI integration. Trialling a new AI tool through a focused project will provide an opportunity for troubleshooting and employee training before large-scale rollout. 

 

Short, pilot phases will also improve employee confidence, which will benefit large-scale AI adoption. 1 in 4 workers are concerned that increased AI in the workplace will lead to job loss. These concerns stem from a lack of knowledge and support, so pilot phases will work to provide the necessary support and also include employees in AI implementation by seeking their feedback.  

 

 

Closing the gap  

The UK government’s AI action plan represents a wider recognition of the steps that need to be taken for the UK to close the skills gap and better equip businesses for large-scale AI adoption. Together, the government and businesses must have a coordinated approach that means investments result in tangible outcomes and ROI. By treating AI education as a long-term investment, the UK can close the skills gap and match its US counterparts.  

 

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David Barber is Director of the UCL Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Distinguished Scientist at UiPath

 

Main image courtesy of iStockPhoto.com and Thapana Onphalai