Data reveals tech roles should be a 50/50 balance of technical skills and human touch
So far in 2026, skills demand is being led by AI and machine learning, but new data from Cornerstone has revealed that these technical skills need to be combines with certain soft or “human” skills to be valuable.
So far in 2026, the impact of AI on the job market continues to change and morph the work landscape, and skills demand is shifting with it. As new technologies are developed, so are the skills required to implement and manage them correctly.
According to Cornerstone’s 2026 Skills Economy Report, AI and machine learning skills demand has surged by +245% since 2023, meaning “communication” was overtaken as the most requested skill worldwide for the first time in a decade. However, the report also highlighted the intrinsic need for soft skills, with over 95% of AI engineers requiring emotional intelligence to perform their jobs.
This is just one example of how this report illuminates a modern need for balanced professionals with both human and technical capabilities to fill the concerning global skills gap.
Written by
As our Head of Curriculum, Product and Partnerships, Mark is passionate about making Learning People the best-in-class for delivering job-ready education and changing lives for people who want careers in IT, Coding, and Project Management.
An unprecedented balance of technical and human skills
The separation between “technical” and “people” jobs has “collapsed entirely” according to Cornerstone. Many roles now require broader skillsets, and jobs that have traditionally been human-centric now require technical skills.
The report claims that the job of a customer service representative, previously a largely ‘human’ role, has seen a 22% increase in a need for data analytical skills over the last three years. It also predicts that global healthcare could hit a worker shortage of 11 million by 2030, seeing as more tech is implemented and workers are not upskilling in AI, biotechnology and life science innovation skills at a fast enough rate.
In fact, since 2023, there has been a global increase in the need for skills around Agile (+48%), UX/UI design (+35%) and Python (+28%). The overall global ranking of jobs and skills has also shifted significantly over the last three years, with a 245% increase for AI & machine learning, a 31% increase for cybersecurity, and an 85% increase for cloud computing.
Going against common uncertainty and panic around AI and its ability to take over jobs, the data in the Cornerstone report proven that AI is most successful with human intervention with a 50/50 balance between the two. The report highlights explosive growth since 2023 in traits like enthusiasm (+999%) and independent working (+850%) as well as more modest increases in core skills such as resilience & flexibility (+42%) and leadership (+28%).
The rapid acceleration in technology and the required skills needed threatens to outrun the capacity for people to reskill
As AI, green technologies, and automation reshape every sector, skill requirements are shifting faster than traditional education or corporate learning systems can adapt. This creates a paradox where a market hungry for skills is struggling to produce what it needs.
How to tackle the change and come out thriving
Although traditional formal education systems don't seem able to keep up with the pace of technological change and learning demand, there are still effective ways upskill yourself with practical AI skills to help strengthen your career:
- Learn how to correctly and ethically use AI tools to streamline your work processes by taking short courses, reading guides, or watching videos from trustworthy institutions
- Increase your soft skills, especially those that machines can’t replicate. Judgement, influence, communication and people management are core and essential skills that will not dissipate.
- Keep up to date with technologies in your field and how skills are evolving with them. Upskilling proactively with industry recognised qualifications to build on your portfolio.
Challenge yourself with new projects and certifications to broaden your horizons, adaptability is a highly sought after asset in employees.
Cornerstone’s report revealed that a lot of people are already actively upskilling with a 50% increase in time spent learning compared to the previous year.
Having legitimate certifications from trusted global providers against your name not only proves your abilities but strengthens your CV and makes you stand out to potential employers as someone who uses initiative and has a can-do attitude.
At Learning People, we offer only the most relevant and in-demand qualifications to help your skills stay aligned with what employers need most, including AI certifications. By offering up-to-date course material and an expert Career Services team, we prioritise making you stand out in the job market, whether you’re stepping up in your career or making a change completely.
Find out more about how we can support you in your career growth and arrange a free career consultation with one of our experts today.
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