As we approach 2024, Udemy’s 2024 Global Learning & Skills Trends Report highlights the pressing need for employers to prioritize skills training to prepare for the rise of generative artificial intelligence. According to Udemy’s insights released on November 1, failure to invest in skill development could result in a shortage of 85 million skilled workers by 2030, as indicated by a separate Korn Ferry report.
Employers are increasingly investing in learning and development endeavours to bridge this looming skills gap. Notably, the focus is shifting towards valuing skills over degrees when it comes to job fulfilment, a trend observed by Udemy. The surge in investment predominantly centres around AI-related training, evidenced by a staggering 60% increase in AI-related courses on Udemy’s platform in the past year. Specifically, enrollments for ChatGPT courses spiked by over 4,000% in Q1 alone, underscoring the demand for AI skills. Melissa Daimler, Udemy’s Chief Learning Officer, emphasizes the pivotal role of change leadership in adapting to the disruptions caused by emerging technologies like generative AI. Skills such as resilience and change leadership are becoming increasingly crucial in navigating and embracing these transformative changes.
Udemy’s report also points out a significant uptick in access to leadership development content, including communication, management fundamentals, emotional intelligence, and digital transformation. Coaching witnessed a remarkable 177% year-over-year increase among managerial and leadership cohorts. Despite this, reports indicate that learning and development efforts might be lagging behind workforce needs. LinkedIn’s 2023 Workplace Learning Report notes that job-related skill sets have evolved by 25% since 2015, a figure expected to double by 2027. The urgency to upskill is heightened by the prediction that 42% of employers will face a significant skills gap within the next two years, according to a report by Salary.com in July.
Udemy’s insights underscore a critical need for a shift in focus towards skills training to address impending talent shortages. Embracing skill development, particularly in response to evolving technologies like AI, isn’t just a necessity but a means to navigate disruptions, foster change leadership, and enhance productivity in a rapidly changing work landscape. As employers pivot towards prioritizing skills over degrees, bridging the gap between learning initiatives and workforce needs becomes imperative for sustained success in the years to come.
