Bridging the New Zealand skills gap in your business; is AI the answer?

AI’s place in your business and workforce  

The World Economic Forum reported that advancements in technologies, particularly AI and information processing; robotics and automation, are expected to be transformative to businesses globally. These trends could fuel demand for technology-related skills, including AI, networks and cybersecurity and technological literacy, which are anticipated to be the top three fastest- growing skills from 2025-2030. 

Although most leaders trust AI to make decisions around marketing, compliance and risk management, they aren’t comfortable allowing AI to run their business with only 3% of executives trusting it to make any business decision. Some of the core financial impacts execs believe AI will have on their company include: 

• Increase market research  
• Save time through efficiency  
• Reduce operational costs  
• Open new revenue streams  

But these can’t take place without people who have the skillset to train and manage these tools. 

AI won’t replace your workforce, it’ll enhance it 

Justin Flitter, Founder of NewZealand.AI said in The Scitex Workforce Report: “The productivity gains are substantial– AI implementation can drive a 41% increase in productivity. This is transformative when considering that training and development are key retention factors, yet only half of employers are actively investing in skill development.” 

It’s been noted that generative AI can enhance human skills and performance within the workplace if applied appropriately within its capability, particularly for newer workers who perhaps lack the enhanced knowledge.  

With that, it's becoming clear that AI is fast becoming a core tool within tech roles, including cyber security. Rather than taking jobs, it is developing into a tool people need to be equipped with the skills to utilise for maximum output and efficiency.    

It’s inevitable that the demand for AI skills will increase, so how can you get ahead?  

There’s no denying AI has a solid role within the future of businesses, with one of the fastest growing roles predicted between 2025-2030 being AI and Machine Learning Specialists, but how can your business get ahead? Simply, by investing in your staff and equipping them with the skillsets to enhance productivity.  

Interestingly, the 'AI at Work' report highlighted that a huge 46% of people would look for a new job at a company that encouraged the use of AI tools if their current job did not allow the use. So it seems that not just business owners and leaders but also employees understand how businesses can get ahead of the tech skills gap through AI enablement. 

How can The Learning People help?

Our AI courses could be your first step to future-proofing your business, from Azure AI Fundamentals, to our AWS Certified AI Practitioner pathways, Learning People are here to support and develop your employees in an ever-changing climate.  

Our vendor specific AI courses allow you to equip your teams with in-demand skills such as AI Concepts, Machine Learning, and Deployment & Monitoring to place your business at the forefront of development in New Zealand.  

Along with our award-winning Student Care and Career Services support, you can get ahead and help close the skills gap in your business with AI and machine learning. Now is a better time than ever to utilise your teams and grow your tech toolkit.   

Interested in learning more about our AI courses and staff Learning and Development training? Book a call with a career consultant to discuss today.