- Report finds that 38% of employees consider themselves self-taught in AI, only 23% have received formal training
- Nearly half believe it is the employer’s responsibility to provide upskilling opportunities
- 88% of workers are at level 1-2 on the preparation scale, only 12% are at level 3-4
New research from TrustedTech has warned of an “AI underclass,” according to which unequal access to AI training and support could end up creating a two-tier workforce.
The data claims that around three in four (74%) decision-makers in the UK feel confident using AI at work, and yet only 44% of young workers feel the same.
The report also reveals that formal AI training is quite uneven: around two in five (38%) employees describe themselves as self-taught in AI.
Insufficient AI training is creating an emerging gap
Additionally, less than a quarter (23%) say they have received AI training from their employer, and 41% criticize their workplace for not providing enough safety and security training. But despite widespread self-learning, nearly half (47%) believe it is the employer’s responsibility to support training and upskilling efforts.
“Employees are told that AI will transform the way they work, but many have received little training on how to use it effectively, safely and with confidence,” warned Julian Hamood, chief visionary officer at TrustedTech.
“People who are most confident in AI will continue to develop skills and productivity, while others risk falling behind through no fault of their own.”
All of this comes against the backdrop of increasing AI investments and ongoing deployments. Separate data from Notion found that 60% of AI decision makers believe their organization is ready to implement next-generation agent AI, but only 36% of employees would agree.
According to Notion reports, 88% of workers are at levels 1 and 2 of AI readiness, viewing the technology as a brainstorming tool or assistant, leaving just 12% at levels 3 (teammate) and 4 (system workflows).
According to Notion, one of the biggest differentiators that distinguish advanced organizations is effective governance and supervision, which aligns with TrustedTech’s findings that workers lack sufficient guidance.
“The leaders who make progress are those who do so carefully: integrating AI into the way work is done, building trust between teams and measuring real impact on the business,” wrote EMEA general manager Andrew McCarthy.
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