DeVry University has released its second annual report on upskilling and reskilling in the U.S. workforce, revealing significant gaps in current employer efforts to prepare employees for the evolving job market influenced by AI. The report, “Closing the Gap: Upskilling and Reskilling in an AI Era,” conducted in partnership with Reputation Leaders, surveyed over 1,500 employees and 580 hiring decision-makers to assess the effectiveness and reach of upskilling initiatives.
- Key Insights from the Report:
- Access vs. Action:
- Increased Access: Workers report greater access to upskilling opportunities, with 30% experiencing fewer barriers in 2024 compared to 22% in 2023.
- Low Engagement: Despite 87% of employers offering upskilling programs, only 55% of workers engage in these opportunities, highlighting a gap between availability and participation.
- AI Skills Perception:
- Self-Assessment vs. Employer Views: Workers perceive their AI skills more positively than their employers. While 32% of employers view their workers as novices in AI, only 3% of workers consider themselves as such.
- Gender Disparities in AI Proficiency:
- Men vs. Women: Only 41% of women rate their AI proficiency as intermediate or higher, compared to 55% of men. Women also report lower perceived value in AI adoption compared to men.
- Long-Term Risks of Current Upskilling Approaches:
- Inequitable Access: 72% of employers do not provide upskilling benefits to all employees, and 42% lack confidence in their AI training effectiveness.
- Unsupervised AI Use: Over half of workers use AI tools weekly without adequate training or ethical considerations, raising potential organizational risks.
- Access vs. Action:
Executive Insights:
- Elise Awwad, President and CEO of DeVry University:
- Need for Urgent Action: Emphasizes the importance of addressing upskilling and reskilling challenges to adapt to rapid changes brought by AI.
- Call for Holistic Training: Advocates for integrated planning and holistic training to ensure all employees are equipped to handle new technologies and mitigate risks.
The 2024 report by DeVry University underscores critical gaps in current upskilling and reskilling efforts, particularly in the context of AI advancements. As the job market evolves, addressing these gaps and providing equitable access to training are essential for mitigating organizational risks and preparing the workforce for future demands.