The AI Workforce Consortium has pledged to upskill and reskill 95 million individuals worldwide over the next decade. This initiative aligns with the findings from their second study, "ICT in Motion: The Next Wave of AI Integration," which highlights the dominance of AI roles in the current tech market.
Led by Cisco, the Consortium includes industry giants like Accenture, Google, IBM, and Microsoft.
The report reveals that 78% of ICT job roles now require AI skills, signalling a critical shift in workforce demands across the G7 economies. Seven of the ten fastest-growing ICT roles are AI-related, including positions such as AI/ML Engineer, AI Risk & Governance Specialist, and NLP Engineer.
Notably, the demand for skills in AI Governance has surged by 150%, while AI Ethics skills have increased by 125%, underscoring the need for expertise at the intersection of technology and ethics.
A significant finding is the critical skills gap in generative AI, large language models (LLMs), and prompt engineering. While technical proficiency in AI remains essential, human-centric skills such as communication, collaboration, and leadership are increasingly prioritised for the responsible adoption of AI technologies.
The report indicates that AI security skills have seen an astonishing growth rate of 298%, reflecting the urgent need for professionals who can manage AI-related risks effectively.
To support this ambitious upskilling initiative, the Consortium is introducing valuable resources, including the AI Workforce Playbook, updated learning recommendations, and a comprehensive AI Skills Glossary. These resources aim to empower workers and organisations as they navigate the rapidly evolving AI landscape.
Cisco emphasised that while AI skills are critical, the combination of technical expertise and human strengths will shape a brighter future.
"We are committed to building a workforce that is ready for this new era of growth, giving people everywhere the opportunity to learn, contribute, and benefit," said Francine Katsoudas, chief people, policy & purpose officer at Cisco
The Consortium's commitment to upskilling reflects a broader recognition that as AI continues to reshape industries, it is imperative to prepare the workforce for the future.
By investing in targeted learning programmes and fostering a culture of continuous growth, organisations can unlock the full potential of their current and future workforce, ensuring economic stability and enhanced job security.
