Many businesses are deploying AI faster than they’re preparing employees — leading to an ‘AI underclass’ at some firms | Daily Reports Online
- Report finds 38% of employees consider themselves self-taught in AI, just 23% have received formal training
- Nearly half believe it’s the employer’s responsibility to provide upskilling opportunities
- 88% of workers are Level 1-2 on the readiness scale, only 12% are Level 3-4
New research from TrustedTech has warned of an “AI underclass,” whereby uneven access to AI training and support could end up creating a two-tier workforce.
The data claims around three in four (74%) UK decision-makers feel confident using AI at work, and yet only 44% of junior workers feel the same way.
The report also reveals that formal AI training is pretty uneven, with around two in five (38%) employees describing themselves as self-taught in AI.
Insufficient AI training is creating an emerging divide
Additionally, fewer than one-quarter (23%) say they’ve received AI training from their employer, with 41% criticizing their workplace for not providing enough safety and security training. But despite widespread self-learning, nearly half (47%) believe it’s the employer’s responsibility to support training and upskilling efforts.
“Employees are being told AI will transform the way they work, yet many have received little training on how to use it effectively, securely or confidently,” TrustedTech Chief Visionary Officer Julian Hamood warned.
“The people who are most confident with AI will continue to build skills and productivity, while others risk being left behind through no fault of their own.”
All of this is set against a backdrop of rising AI investments and ongoing deployments. Separate Notion data found that 60% of AI decision-makers believe their organization is ready to deploy next-generation agentic AI, but only 36% of employees would agree.
According to Notion’s reporting, 88% of workers are at Levels 1 and 2 of AI readiness, seeing the tech as a brainstorming tool or an assistant, leaving only 12% at Levels 3 (team mate) and 4 (system workflows).
One of the biggest differentiators setting advanced organizations apart, Notion says, is effective governance and oversight, which aligns with TrustedTech’s findings that workers lack sufficient guidance.
“The leaders pulling ahead are the ones doing it thoughtfully: integrating AI into how work runs, building trust across teams, and measuring real business impact,” EMEA GM Andrew McCarthy wrote.
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