AI skills training options are falling behind demand as AI adoption is on the rise in the UK, Accenture’s latest data shows.

Only about a quarter of professionals surveyed by the firm had experienced any training for AI, but 78% were using already using generative AI at least weekly for work.

This reflects not only a massive potential skills and training gap, but also raises issues around shadow AI and unauthorised uses of AI in the workplace.

Further, a lack of proper AI training for existing workers could increase the skills gap that needs to be filled in order for the UK to achieve the AI ambitions set out by the government.

Despite almost all (91%) UK employees expressing their willingness to learn new AI skills and experiment with the technology in their work, organisations are falling short of this demand.

A lack of training can mean that investments in AI are also not being fully realised, as AI is not being used to its maximum potential.

Workers are also concerned about using AI in the workplace, however, as many (53%) are unsure who would be responsible if the tech were to go wrong.

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“UK workers are showing real enthusiasm for AI, but the training structures around them haven’t caught up,” managing director of talent and organisation at Accenture UK&I, Joe Hildebrand, said. “Leaders need to move beyond bolt-on training programmes and start creating environments where people and intelligent agents learn together in real time.”

“This means encouraging curiosity in the workforce and weaving learning into everyday work, while making sure trust is hardwired in through clear governance. Companies also need to make sure their AI tools align with how people are working on the ground. In doing so, firms will unlock growth, trust and competitiveness in the AI economy.”