Don’t Get Left Behind: The Importance of Re-skilling in the Age of AI

Naomh McElhatton
Aug 4
2 min read

As artificial intelligence reshapes the world of work, re-skilling is no longer optional, it’s essential. Whether you're running a local SME or leading a team, learning new AI-friendly skills is the only way to stay competitive and relevant in today's fast-moving environment.

Why Reskilling Matters Now

The World Economic Forum reports that 50% of all employees will need re-skilling by 2025 to adapt to new AI-driven workflows and by 2030, 59% of the global workforce will require significant up-skilling or re-skilling to stay effective.
Out of over 1,000 global employer respondents, 77% plan to re-skill current staff by 2030, rather than hiring externally.

For SMEs, where hiring specialist AI talent can be costly or unrealistic, re-skilling your existing team becomes your most viable and strategic approach.

What Skills Will Matter?

AI will not replace humans; it will compliment them. In fact, demand for "AI-complimentary skills" like analytical thinking, digital literacy, resilience, and creative problem‑solving is growing faster than ever. By 2030, employers expect that 39% of key skills will evolve or shift entirely, emphasising adaptability, ethical thinking, and tech fluency.

What's the Risk of Doing Nothing?

A McKinsey estimate outlines that 92% of technology roles will transform significantly due to AI.
Experts warn that if we don’t prioritise re-skilling, AI could widen inequality and leave many workers without essential digital abilities.

In the UK alone, fewer than 12% of SMEs have invested in AI training, yet 29% cite lack of training as their biggest barrier, and just 37% of small businesses feel confident using AI effectively.

Even more concerning: only about half of SMEs agree AI is critical, and just 27% feel capable of implementing it successfully.

How to Approach Re-skilling:

Begin with a skills audit. Identify gaps in AI literacy, digital tools, and decision-making.
Start small and practical. Short, focused learning modules help teams adapt faster.
Blend learning with action. Use real-world tools like prompt engineering, analytics dashboards, or automation platforms alongside theory.
Invest in soft skills too. Communication, ethics, and adaptability are central to working with AI responsibly.
Partner up. Build links with education providers, local programmes or accelerators to access cost-effective training.

Why SMEs Can't Wait ...

By re-skilling your team today:

You retain institutional knowledge while evolving capabilities.
Your business becomes more resilient and better positioned to innovate.
You reduce reliance on external hiring, saving time and cost.

At Business of AI Club, our courses are built for this moment. Practical, industry-aligned, and built for SME teams our training empowers your staff to use AI tools, think strategically, and lead confidently.