UK tech workers say they’re learning the wrong skills for the industry, but still expect to increase their salaries by up to £20,000 by upskilling.

That’s according to findings from Pluralsight, a technology workforce development company, which reported that half of future tech workers are currently learning AI skills to secure a role, but only 15% of existing tech workers say this is actually the most important skill.

Pluarlsight’s survey of 500 current and aspiring tech workers found that these groups don’t see eye to eye on the technology skills that are the most important to get into the tech sector. Half (50%) of those looking to break in reported learning AI and machine learning skills, but only 15% of existing tech workers agreed that AI is the most important area to focus on.  

Other skills are seen as being much more valuable, with 37% of existing tech workers saying software engineering skills are actually more important for new employees to have.

That disconnect is becoming more apparent, with 37% of current tech workers saying that having the wrong skillset is the biggest obstacle stopping new employees from getting into the field.

According to the research, over a third (34%) of aspiring tech workers feel there are too many upskilling resources available, and don’t know where to begin learning, but despite their uncertainty 50% still expect moving into the tech sector to boost their income by between £10-£20k.

That sentiment is more widespread among existing tech employees, with 85% expecting to increase their salary by up to £20k by learning new tech skills,and 83% reporting they had already either increased their salary or got a promotion after upskilling.

“Aspiring technology workers are focusing on learning AI skills in response to the dramatic increase in the use of AI technology we have seen over the past year,” said Chris Herbert, chief content officer at Pluralsight. 

“While AI skills will continue to remain crucial going forward, learners shouldn’t lose sight of how important fundamental skills, like software development and cyber security, still are. To equip the UK workforce with the right skills for successful technology careers, tailored learning paths that offer hands-on, expert-driven learning experiences are essential to bring focus to learning and help UK professionals at all stages stay competitive.”

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According to government projections, the digital skills gap could cost the UK economy £63 billion per year, with Lloyds Bank finding that 7.5 million people, or 18% of UK adults, lack the essential digital skills needed for the workplace.

With more than three-quarters of chief information security officers admitting that they are facing a critical cyber-skills gap crisis, and data skills gaps leading to significant productivity gaps across industries, more organisations are turning to AI to meet the shortfall with over half of UK tech leaders considering using GenAI to combat skills shortages.