Why AI Apprenticeships Are the Key to Workforce Transformation

It doesn’t seem that long ago when Artificial Intelligence (AI) was a distant vision of the future; an almost mythical technology that would someday take over the world and the way we live.  

Well, whilst AI hasn’t quite become the almighty, world-dominating superpower that some expected (and possibly feared), today it is a defining force in the workplace.  

Since the first AI boom of 2022, the technology and its uses have developed to a point in which it is transforming how organisations and industries operate, and how employees within them perform their roles.  

By the end of 2024, a remarkable 75% of workplaces had adopted AI tools, with nearly half of those doing so in just the previous six months, signalling a fundamental – and rapid – shift in ways of working and the use of AI for innovation, efficiency and strategic advantage.  

As AI continues to evolve, the question facing organisations is not whether to adopt it, but how to build the internal capability to use it effectively and grow as AI does. This is where initiatives such as AI apprenticeships, devised to drive development and grow the knowledge of both the existing and future workforces, become not only relevant but essential.  

The Rise of AI in the Workplace: A new era of productivity and potential 

The integration of AI into the workplace has already begun to yield significant benefits. According to 2024 research, 90% of workers using AI report saving time on tasks, and programmers leveraging AI tools are completing 126% more projects per week than those yet to integrate the technology – underlining the potential of Artificial Intelligence to enhance productivity, streamline workflows and processes, and unlock higher levels of performance.  

The Artificial Intelligence transformation isn’t without challenges, however. While 65% of employees have used tools AI tools such as ChatGPT in their line of work, 45% also express concern that the technology may replace them in their role altogether 

This intriguing mix of employee empowerment and personal anxiety suggests a need for organisations to tread carefully as they adopt AI in their processes, ensuring the workforce remains supported and secure. As such, education, transparency, and structured training is key to providing people with the skills – and confidence – to thrive in an increasingly AI-influenced world.  

The AI Capability Gap: A leadership perception problem 

Despite the growing use of AI, research suggests that many business leaders feel unprepared to manage its integration.  

In 2024, 68% of leaders surveyed reported difficulty in attracting talent with the necessary AI skills. Yet, research from McKinsey suggests that this may be more of a perception issue than a true talent shortage. Their findings reveal that while nearly all C-suite leaders (99%) and employees (94%) are familiar with generative AI tools, leaders vastly underestimate how extensively these tools are being used. 
 
These leaders estimated that only 4% of employees use AI for at least 30% of their daily work, when in reality, that number is three times higher, according to the employees themselves. The difference of opinion between employers and employees is further highlighted by their future predictions too, with 47% of employees expecting to use AI for a significant number of tasks within the near future, compared to just 20% of leaders.  

This suggests a critical need for better visibility into workforce capabilities and a more proactive approach to AI training and development. 

Why AI training is urgent and essential 

Artificial intelligence is already embedded in daily operations and workflows, but as it increases there is an increased demand for training on how to use – and get the most from – the technology.  

Employees are not only using AI, but they are also eager to deepen their understanding and expand their capabilities. McKinsey’s research shows that nearly half of employees want structured AI training, and many are calling for access to tools, pilot programs, and incentives to support their learning journey. 
 
And yet, it appears that many organisations are falling short. With over 20% of employees reporting that they are receiving minimal or no assistance in building their AI skills, there is a clear gap between desire and delivery – a gap that needs to be closed if organisations want to keep pace with the AI revolution.  

Without providing proper training to the existing workforce, and not helping to prepare the next generation with the skills, knowledge and experience they need to succeed in an AI-influenced working environment, businesses risk underutilising talent and falling behind in innovation.  

Structured, accessible, and forward-thinking training programs are essential to bridge this gap.  

AI Apprenticeships: A strategic investment in the future workforce