Building a Future-Ready Workforce: AI and Midcareer Professional Development

With almost 40% of global employment exposed to artificial intelligence (AI), there is no denying that AI is rapidly changing the game. Generative AI, in particular, has been revolutionising multiple industries and redefining the skills required to thrive in the modern workplace. As we witness a globally ageing workforce, it becomes increasingly important for midcareer professionals to adapt and embrace new skills, particularly in digital and AI domains.

The Rise of Generative AI and Its Impact on the Workforce

Generative AI — which includes technologies like language models, image generation, and deep learning — has seen a meteoric rise in recent years. This growth is driven by its ability to perform complex tasks, create content, and make predictions with remarkable speed. From automating routine tasks to providing advanced data analytics, AI is reshaping how businesses operate.

One of the most significant impacts of AI on the workforce is the automation of repetitive tasks. This shift allows employees to focus on more strategic, creative, and value-added activities, while also eliminating the need for some roles or reducing the amount of support needed. This is expected to lead to a sharp drop in hiring as well as a shift in employee skill sets. Technical proficiency, digital literacy, and the ability to work alongside AI are becoming essential for career growth and sustainability.

Unfortunately, these changes are predicted to negatively impact midcareer and older workers. Our new research indicates that US and European employers anticipate declines ranging from 22% to 64% over the next 12 months in their entry-level and mid-level hiring — roles increasingly pursued by midcareer and older workers. While these declines are due to a mix of factors – AI-fueled productivity improvements, economic conditions, shifting corporate priorities, the result can be the same. Age bias may be amplified, particularly when it comes to roles that work with AI tools. Our reseach found that hiring managers are three times more likely to consider job candidates under age 35 than those over age 60 for those roles.

The Ageing Workforce and the Need for Continuous Skill Building

The global workforce is ageing, with a growing number of employees in the midcareer stage. As revealed in our 2023 Midcareer Opportunity Report, there is clear employer preference for candidates with recent, relevant training. However, midcareer and older workers undervalue training in favour of work experience, and only 38% of those over age 45 have participated in training in the past three years. Furthermore, training participation decreases with age — and this holds true across education levels.

There is also concern around low levels of AI usage among midcareer and older workers. Our research indicates that, on average, just 15% of workers aged 45+ across both Europe and the US reported that they are currently using AI in the workplace — ranging from 13% in the United States to 19% in Spain. While this might seem to support employers’ age bias on the surface, it’s important to note that just because many midcareer workers are not using AI today, it doesn’t mean they can’t. In fact, our survey found that among midcareer and older workers who have adopted AI tools, the majority are self-taught and “power users” who turn to AI tools multiple times a week, if not daily.

Additionally, more than half of midcareer and older workers in the US and two-thirds in Europe who are using AI regularly reported that it is improving their work quality and pace, with nearly half of workers across all markets who use the tools adding that AI allows them to do more advanced or higher-level work, and about a third saying it helps them make better decisions. Thirty-five percent in the US and 58% in Europe even said AI makes their jobs more enjoyable. Clearly, midcareer and older workers have the capacity to thrive with AI tools.

For employers, this is a crucial opportunity to supplement the strengths of midcareer professionals with the necessary training and development programmes to foster a well-rounded midcareer workforce.

Why Digital and AI Skills Are Crucial for Midcareer Professionals

Enhanced productivity: AI tools can significantly enhance productivity by automating mundane tasks and providing insights that drive better decision-making. Midcareer professionals who are adept at using these tools can deliver higher value to their organisations.
Career longevity: In a rapidly changing job market, continuous learning is key to career longevity. Midcareer professionals who invest in digital and AI skills are better positioned to adapt to new roles and opportunities that arise.
Competitive advantage: Organisations that prioritise upskilling their workforce in AI and digital technologies gain a competitive edge. Midcareer professionals with these skills can lead innovation and drive business growth.
Future-proofing: The future of work will increasingly involve collaboration with AI. Midcareer professionals who understand how to work with AI can future-proof their careers, ensuring they remain relevant and in demand.

How Employers Can Support Midcareer Professional Development

To make the most of AI in the workplace, employers must do more to make the most of their

experienced workers. Here are some strategies to support midcareer professional development:

Develop use cases: Create use cases that combine work experience, such as customer relationships or institutional knowledge, with AI workplace tools.
Offer training programmes: Implement comprehensive training programmes focused on digital literacy and AI skills. This can include workshops, online courses, and hands-on projects.
Encourage lifelong learning: Promote a culture of lifelong learning by providing resources and incentives for employees to pursue further education and skill-building.
Leverage mentorship: Pair midcareer professionals with mentors who have expertise in digital and AI technologies. Mentorship can provide personalised guidance and support.
Invest in certification programmes: Encourage employees to obtain certifications in relevant AI and digital technologies. Certifications can validate skills and enhance professional credibility.
Gather data: obtain rich insights by comparing and contrasting how workers with different experience levels write different prompts, deploy judgment to interpreting AI outcomes, and drive higher productivity

The Role of Generation’s Employment Programmes

At Generation, we recognise the urgency and importance of equipping midcareer professionals with the skills needed to thrive in the digital age. Our employment programmes are designed to bridge the skills gap and prepare individuals for future-ready careers. We collaborate with employers and funders to create tailored training initiatives that address the needs of various industries by equipping job seekers with essential skills.

Our approach includes:

Industry-relevant curricula: We develop curricula that align with industry demands, ensuring that participants acquire practical, in-demand skills.
Hands-on training: Our programmes emphasise hands-on, experiential learning, allowing participants to apply their skills in real-world scenarios.
Comprehensive support: We provide holistic support, including mentorship, career coaching, and job placement assistance, to help participants succeed.

By partnering with Generation, employers and funders can play a pivotal role in building a future-ready workforce. Investing in the development of digital and AI skills for midcareer professionals not only benefits individuals but also drives organisational success and innovation.

The rise of generative AI and the evolving nature of work underscore the importance of continuous skill development for midcareer professionals. As the global workforce ages, investing in digital and AI skills becomes crucial for career longevity and organisational competitiveness. Employers and funders have a unique opportunity to support this transition by partnering with us at Generation to provide targeted training and development programmes. Together, we can build a workforce that is not only future-ready but also capable of leading the way in an increasingly digital world.

At Generation, we’re making a life-changing career available to anyone, anywhere. Explore our employment programmes to see the professions we support, or donate today to help us create career opportunities for our learners!

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