Upskilling for Generative AI Skill Gaps

You may be hearing a lot about Generative AI in the workforce. It’s often used to new content, such as generating text, images, and code. But for other industries like manufacturing and oil and gas, it can also be used to design custom parts, create training materials, automate tasks, and it is already being used in many HR and recruiting processes. In fact, 77% of CIOs are already finding ways to use generative AI to increase productivity. At the same time, a Salesforce survey found 60% of employees lack the skills to use it safely and effectively. Sectors across the Gulf Coast can optimize processes with AI, but there will be a massive need for AI upskilling regardless of the industry.

Essential Skills and Competencies for Generative AI

To effectively work with AI programs, employees need specific skills and competencies:

• Data Literacy: Understanding and interpreting data is fundamental, as generative AI relies on data inputs to create meaningful outputs. There’s a saying in programming: garbage in, garbage out. If you don’t input the right information, the output will be useless.
• Algorithm Understanding: A basic grasp of how AI algorithms work will help employees interpret and troubleshoot AI outputs.
• Ethical Considerations: With AI’s growing role in business, understanding its ethical implications, such as bias and privacy concerns, is vital.

AI Upskilling Strategies

Employers can help their teams develop these skills through a few different strategies:

• Training Programs: Tailored AI training programs should focus on the specific AI technologies in use at the company and their application in the general industry context.
• Partnerships with Educational Institutions: Collaborating with universities or online learning platforms can give employees access to specialized courses in AI and data science that are beyond the employers’ scope.
• On the Job Training: Incorporating AI-related tasks in everyday work and providing mentorship and peer-to-peer learning opportunities helps workers learn AI successfully.

HR’s Role in AI Training Programs

Human Resources will play a pivotal role in developing AI-focused learning and development programs. The HR team, or HR programs, can be used to:

• Identify Skill Gaps: HR can conduct assessments with existing and potential employees to determine the current AI skill level of the individual and the workforce.
• Curate Learning Resources: Source and provide access to relevant learning materials, online courses, and workshops that give a general overview of AI as well as specialized training.
• Track Progress and Adapt Programs: Monitor employee progress in upskilling initiatives and adjust programs as needed to keep people on track.

Learning Resources and Programs

Courses on training AI systems and understanding the ethics surrounding AI are also offered online through platforms like Coursera, edX, and industry-specific trade associations. In the Gulf Coast region, there are many colleges and universities that offer AI courses and programs for learning about generative AI. Workforce Solutions can also help you identify resources and integrate them into your existing training.

Successful Upskilling in Action

AI upskilling initiatives not only enhance your operations but also improve competitiveness by building cutting-edge AI knowledge within your workforce. A McKinsey Global Institute survey on generative AI estimates it could automate tasks that currently occupy 60–70% of employees’ time. That time can be used for other types of impactful work.

As AI technology grows, upskilling will become vital to stay competitive. In fact, 85% of employees reported they need AI training to keep up with changes to their jobs, but less than 15% said they received that training. There are several ways you can implement AI upskilling at your company, including these tactics that other companies successfully integrated:

• PwC rolled out a five-month mandatory training program to teach the entire U.S. workforce how AI will be used and how to use it ethically and responsibly. A mandatory program on AI ethics could be a good starting point for companies.
• Another big-name firm, Booz Allen Hamilton, Inc., provides voluntary weekly sessions on best practices for generative AI. A voluntary option like this has a low barrier for entry for small companies.
• Coursera, Inc. launched a program to reimburse employees who want to use the enterprise version of ChatGPT, and it has integrated learning, discovery, and knowledge sharing into its everyday work. Consider a reimbursement program for AI training if it isn’t possible to build out an internal program.

The Future of AI-driven Business

The demand for AI-related skills will only grow, and employees will need working knowledge of data analysis, AI system design and management, and a strong grasp of AI ethics. Focusing on these key skills, implementing effective training strategies, and leveraging HR’s role in skill development can keep your business competitive in this changing field.

To explore training options and HR solutions, contact our team! Our consultants can help you build systems that keep your company ahead of the curve as technology changes.