Research shows employers are prioritising certified data and AI talent
Multiple new reports reveal that AI and data fluency are fast becoming critical to employers globally, making the best areas for professional upskilling crystal clear
As the use of AI in businesses develops, more reports are emerging about the demand for qualified professionals to use, prompt, and optimise AI tools. What many people may have first thought was “AI taking jobs” is actually AI changing the jobs and skills that are in demand globally, and businesses that don’t invest in these areas risk falling behind.
AI’s tectonic impact on the job market is undeniable. It is currently the biggest driver for accelerating progress in businesses globally, but it's important to note that this will only benefit companies that invest in high-quality skilled professionals.
So, are businesses doing this? Across the board, it doesn’t seem so.
Written by
Rachel has over 30 years of experience in education, vocational learning, and skills development. She leads on developing the curriculums and career pathways we offer at Learning People to ensure optimal employment outcomes for everyone that learns with us.
A lack of investment in AI and data skills will hold businesses back
A Skillsoft report recently revealed a shocking statistic that only 10% of HR and L&D professionals were fully confident their workforce can deliver on business goals in the next two years. Furthermore, even when hiring new talent nearly 1 in 3 surveyed responders report that 41–60% joined with critical skills gaps.
Aligning with this, a whopping 91% of HR professionals felt that employees overstated their skills proficiency particularly in leadership, AI, and technical domains. 28% of those see the lack of technical AI expertise is a huge barrier to AI adoption. Despite all this, nearly half of businesses want AI built into skills intelligence tools to improve accuracy and relevance.
The report cited that: “skill gaps are slowing progress, development programs aren’t lining up with business needs, and leaders don’t have the visibility they need to make smart decisions”.
For many businesses, there is still work to do to hire in the people with the skills that will help them survive or even thrive over the digital revolution we’re experiencing. What does this work look like? Smart hiring and staff training.
From cloud to cybersecurity: the AI skills employers value most
The 2025 Q2 Barclays Business Prosperity Index revealed over the past year, businesses have already invested around £235,600 on AI and emerging technologies, with 68% planning to increase over the next year.
The report also unveiled that almost a third of businesses either have already (11%) or are currently (21%), hiring for AI-focused roles, with 42% of businesses still planning to do so. In fact, Harvey Nash recently reported that 65% of digital leaders would choose an AI-enabled software developer with just 2 years’ experience, over one with a 5-year career but without AI skills.
Looking more regionally, a recent report from The Data Lab estimated that with the correct training and adoption into businesses, AI could add as much as £16.7bn, or 8.4% to Scotland’s GDP by 2030.
It should come as no surprise that three in ten organisations feel that certifications for data and AI skills are important when hiring, this focus doubles in larger organisations. The same report revealed that cybersecurity (31%) is anticipated to be the most important data or AI skill in the next 5 years, followed by data privacy (23%).
Build the data and AI skills employers are searching for
The Data Lab report also revealed that 7 in 10 educators see machine learning, data privacy and ethics, AI governance and regulatory compliance, AI ethics, and prompting as the most needed skills in the next 5 years, making it a better time than ever to upskill yourself.
Businesses are seeing employees who can engage with AI as crucial to business development. Even if you’re not an expert, a strong level of AI literacy and having the skills that are relevant to a specific role or sector will make you increasingly valuable.
“Foundational data and AI literacy is becoming essential across job roles in every sector. According to Statista, in 2024, the global volume of data created, captured, copied, and consumed is an incredible 149 zettabytes. Coupled with the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) estimate that 60% of jobs in developed countries will be affected by AI3, it’s clear that these assets will present both challenges and opportunities worldwide.”
Our advice as specialists in tech careers and training would be: Prepare yourself with the necessary skills to future-proof your career with highly sought after AI qualifications businesses are looking for. Our range of job-ready, globally recognised qualifications and pathways have been created based off industry demand, utilising the most in-demand skills employers are looking for.
It was also identified that online self-paced training is deemed most effective, making our courses perfect for people looking to level up or even make a career change.
At Learning People, we’re serious about preparing our students to thrive in this new landscape. That's why every one of our Career Pathways includes AI-focused content relevant to your chosen field.
It’s time to fast-track your future, arrange a free no obligation call with one of our expert Career Consultants today.
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