AI Skills and Talent Gaps Widen as Innovation Accelerates

New Skillsoft Report

Skillsoft (NYSE: SKIL), a leading platform for transformative learning experiences, today released its 2023 IT Skills and Salary Report. Based on insights from more than 5,700 global IT professionals, including leaders and staff members, the report examines the state of the IT industry, underscoring the pressing need for workforce upskilling and reskilling given the rapid advancement of AI and machine learning (ML) technologies.

Key findings include:

• AI and ML are the biggest areas of focus for IT leaders, though 43% rate their teams’ AI and ML skill sets as low.
• One-in-three IT leaders are struggling most with finding qualified AI and ML talent.
• The top driver of skills gaps is the rate of technology change outpacing training programs.
• Last year, 45% of IT professionals said management did not see a tangible benefit from training. Just 15% now say the same, as skill building becomes a business imperative.
• 97% of IT leaders say certified staff adds value to their organization.
• IT professionals’ top reason for skill building is to prepare their organization for new technology, especially as generative AI (GenAI) becomes more advanced.

“With AI accelerating disruption at an unprecedented pace, the need for workforce training has never been more obvious and consequential,” said Orla Daly, Chief Information Officer, Skillsoft. “Organizations are at a critical point where they need to be deliberate and proactive about building skills and capabilities – especially related to AI – or risk falling behind in the coming year. Interactive training experiences where professionals learn by doing will unlock rich possibilities, creating business value while increasing team member engagement and morale.”

Increasing scope and efficacy of training.
Skill development is a critical piece of the puzzle for building a competitive organization, though more work is needed to optimize training among technology teams. Only 37% of IT professionals report receiving training “most of the time” when their employers invest in new technology. Additionally, compared to last year, 40% more IT leaders say their organization is not investing enough in professional development and 80% more say their current training programs are not effective at developing the skills they need.