Why AI Training Should Be Part of Every Employee’s Development Plan

A massive shift is happening in the workplace today, and it all centers on AI training. For years, learning about AI felt like an optional perk—nice to have, but not essential. That’s no longer the case. Today, AI training has become a strategic must-have for every organization.

Let’s break down why this is happening, the risks of ignoring it, and how companies can build a strong training framework that truly prepares their people for the future.

The Great AI Skills Gap

Right now, businesses everywhere are rushing to adopt AI tools. Yet, many are overlooking the most critical piece of the puzzle—their people.

The numbers tell the story:

• In 2023, only 8% of U.S. workers used AI at work. By 2024, that number jumped to over one-third.
• Despite this surge, just 31% of employees say their company offers any formal AI training.

In other words, adoption is skyrocketing, but workforce preparation is lagging dangerously behind.

The gap is clear even at the leadership level. Nearly 89% of executives agree their workforce needs AI skills, but only 6% have taken meaningful steps to build training programs. At the same time, 80% of employees are actively asking for more AI learning opportunities.

This disconnect is more than a missed opportunity—it’s a serious blind spot with potentially costly consequences.

The Risks of Doing Nothing

If companies fail to address the AI skills gap, they face four pressing risks:

1. Employee demand going unmet – People want AI skills, and without support, they may look elsewhere.
2. Leadership inaction – Executives recognize the problem but aren’t moving quickly enough.
3. Rapidly outdated skills – By 2030, nearly 40% of core job skills will have changed, largely due to AI. Without training, even today’s top performers could fall behind.
4. Security threats – Employees experimenting with AI tools may inadvertently expose confidential data, creating major compliance and privacy issues.

The Upside of Investing in AI Training

Fortunately, the benefits of getting AI training right are enormous. A well-prepared workforce can:

• Boost productivity through automation of routine tasks.
• Drive smarter, data-backed decision-making.
• Spark real innovation across all departments.
• Improve employee retention by showing commitment to growth.
• Close security gaps through responsible AI use.

For example, consider a customer support agent. With AI training, they can handle simple inquiries in seconds, freeing up time for high-stakes, creative problem-solving. The result? Faster service, happier customers, and more engaged employees.

And the payoff is measurable. Companies where innovation flows across the organization—not just within IT—see over five times the revenue growth of those that don’t.

How to Build an Effective AI Training Program

So, how can companies actually build AI training that works? The most effective approach is tiered:

1. AI 101 for Everyone – Mandatory foundational training to build shared understanding and cover core ethics.
2. Role-Specific Training – Tailored modules for teams like marketing, HR, and sales to apply AI in relevant ways.
3. Expert Pathways – Advanced programs for employees who want to become in-house AI leaders.

The delivery method is just as important as the content. Effective training is hands-on—through workshops, pilot projects, and safe “sandbox” environments where employees can experiment without fear of mistakes.

Finally, AI learning must become part of company culture. That means integrating training goals into professional development plans, discussing progress in performance reviews, and celebrating employees who embrace new skills.

The Bottom Line

The AI revolution isn’t on the horizon—it’s already here. The question is no longer whether companies should invest in AI training, but whether they’ll empower their workforce to lead the charge—or leave them watching from the sidelines.

The choice will define the future of every organization.