How and why you should develop your AI skills

While artificial intelligence (AI) may not take your job, you can’t ignore the growth of AI in the workplace. By not developing your skills today, you risk being less qualified than candidates with strong AI skills in the future. Here’s how to develop your AI skills.

Gen Z are now part of the workforce, adding further competition to a crowded job market. By the end of 2025, tech savvy Gen Z candidates will account for 27% of the workforce.  

In this blog, we’ll discuss the importance of developing your AI skills sooner rather than later. We’ll also delve into developing your human skills alongside your technical abilities. Read on for our expert insight.  

What does AI in the work environment look like in 2025? 

Artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming more prevalent in the workplace than ever before. Our client data shows that 53% of companies are recommending the use of AI technology in their organisation. According to our Tech Talent Explorer survey the effects of AI is also being felt worldwide: 

• 62% of tech professionals predict that AI will have the biggest impact on their work in 2025  
• Only 47% feel confident and fully prepared for further advancements to AI systems  

Is AI putting jobs at risk?  

A US study by YouGov found that 56% of professionals feel that job opportunities will decrease because of AI. The equivalent UK survey found that 74% of professionals believe the adoption of AI tools will result in fewer jobs. The solution to stay relevant in the workplace is to upskill and reskill.  

Julia Cames, Hays CMO, explains: “In addition to learning outside work, this involves finding ways to retrain with employers. Just over half of workers who feel strongly about AI are getting the workplace skills training they need.” 

How can you develop your AI skills? 

Despite the increase in AI tools throughout the workplace, Hays Salary Guide data reveals that 43% of workers have yet to receive any training on AI from their employer. If you find yourself in the same position, don’t worry. Even without employer training, you can still begin your AI skills development.  

The three main strategies for improving AI skills include a combination of: 

• Technical education 
• Hands-on experience 
• Staying up to date with industry trends 

Take an online course or boost your technical education 

Many online providers offer courses of varying levels. Think about how much you already know about AI and choose an option that suits you. Some options include: 

• Google – Generative AI Certification Program: The ‘Generative AI Leader’ program is a first-of-its-kind credential.The program is designed to empower professionals to harness the potential of generative AI. 
• Codeacademy – Intro to Generative AI: If you’re completely new to AI, this free course may be a good starting point. Beginners can dive into the different forms of generative AI and learn how to use AI technology. 
• Amazon – Introduction to Generative AI – Art of the Possible: A free course from Amazon which provides an introduction to generative AI, its risks and benefits. 

Gain some helpful hands-on experience 

Across the globe, Hays surveys thousands of workers a year. We found that 25% aren’t using AI because they don’t see the benefit. A hands-on exercise may help to demonstrate the many uses of AI to even the biggest sceptics. Examples of hands-on learning include: 

• Codeacademy – Learn How To Build Your Own GPT:  This is a one-hour course at an intermediate level. During the course, learners can build a Generative Pre-trained Transformer (GPT) from scratch. You can also earn a certificate of completion to showcase your accomplishment on LinkedIn. 
• Amazon – PartyRock: Learners are able to create and customize AI apps that have real-world capabilities to boost productivity. 

Keep up with current AI industry trends 

Being aware of AI trends can help you build an awareness of new developments in AI technology. You can then tailor your learning to meet the demands of predicted trends of the future and stay ahead of the curve. Stay up to date by: 

• Reading research papers, such as the Journal of Artificial Intelligence Research (JAIR) 
• Following AI blogs including the OpenAI blog and the Hugging Face blog.  

What happens when AI technology moves on? 

In AI-related fields, any new skills can become out of date in just two years. However, by developing your human skills, you’ll be able to prove your long-term value to a potential employer. Your personal attributes can be just as valuable, if not more, than the hard skills that you’ve learned.  

Are human skills that important to employers? 

The importance of human skills cannot be underestimated. Ninety-two per cent of talent acquisition professionals describe human skills as equally or more important than hard skills. Modern employers are valuing traits such as the ability to effectively communicate. human skills can often complement the technical benefits of AI.  

Which human skills are employers looking for? 

In 2025 the key human skills employers are looking for include:  

• Emotional intelligence: Recognising your emotions and impact on others can help you foster strong relationships with colleagues. 
• Resilience and adaptability: Proactively problem-solving, exploring new opportunities and staying positive can help you produce innovative ideas.  
• Communication skills: Adapting your communication style to suit video meetings, messaging apps and email in remote and hybrid settings.  
• Collaborative and interpersonal skills: Understanding the dynamics and working styles of team members can boost productivity and reduce conflict.  
• Influence and leadership skills: Guiding and inspiring team members to achieve shared goals can help motivate everyone to succeed.  

How do you improve your human skills? 

Once you’ve chosen the human skills you’d like to work on, you can make a plan. There are many resources available for improving your human skills including watching seminars, listening to podcasts or reading. A step-by-step approach can also help you manage your progress, such as: 

1. Work with a mentor or friend you trust: Meet regularly to talk through your challenges, successes and failures. 
2. Practice your human skills: Implement your developing skills in the workplace. Challenge yourself and take on tasks outside your comfort zone.  
3. Refine your human skills: Ask your boss or a colleague for honest feedback to ensure you’re making progress.  

Once you feel confident in your human skills, update your CV and cover letter to reflect your new strengths. Be ready to discuss in a job interview how you have developed your skills and to provide examples of the positive results. 

Combine your AI and human skill sets for success  

By developing your AI skills as well as your human skills you can demonstrate to employers that you are worth investing in. Aim to showcase that you can navigate advancements in technology and also become an integral part of the organisation. Then, you will be able to thrive in your career no matter how quickly AI technology may evolve.  

Searching for more tips on improving your skill sets? Explore these related blogs: 

• The workplace in 2025: five things to know  
• How to boost productivity at work and make generative AI work for you 
• Revealed: the human skills that will help you find a job