IT leaders are currently grappling with an urgent AI talent shortage, which requires a strategic overhaul in hiring and training practices. With a significant number of businesses planning to adopt AI solutions, CIOs are striving to fill AI-related roles amid fierce competition from tech giants.
John Napoli, head of transformation and AI delivery at Guardian Life, highlights the challenge of building a capable AI workforce. Most companies face a tight labor market, as the demand for individuals with AI skills outstrips the available supply. This shortage has prompted many CIOs to take matters into their own hands, prioritizing internal training efforts to develop the necessary talent.
A recent survey indicated that 92% of employers expect to rely on AI solutions by 2028, with 93% anticipating the use of generative AI within five years. However, even though many organizations recognize the need for skilled personnel, 75% report difficulties in finding the right candidates.
To address these challenges, Napoli intends to adopt a dual strategy—building skills internally while also bringing in new hires with relevant experience. His goal is to cultivate a skilled workforce capable of tackling the complexities of AI implementation, whether through upskilling existing employees or recruiting experienced professionals.
Orla Daly, CIO at Skillsoft, echoes this sentiment, noting that every job description is evolving to integrate AI competencies. She emphasizes the necessity of rapidly acquiring talent due to high demand, which often leads to affordability issues in the labor market.
Despite these strategies, the ongoing talent crunch is delaying the wide adoption of AI technologies in many organizations. A significant percentage of technology leaders report that skills shortages are impeding their ability to leverage AI effectively. Complications arise particularly in recruiting specialized roles like machine learning engineers and AI developers, as these skill sets are predominantly found within elite tech firms.
Companies like Genpact are also shifting their organizational structures to prioritize AI capabilities. Executives are creating AI centers of excellence to foster growth and innovation within their teams, recognizing that a multitalented workforce is essential to meet future demands.
Ultimately, while many companies are actively training their employees and enhancing their hiring strategies, the competition for AI talent remains fierce, necessitating innovative approaches for both retaining staff and attracting the specialized skill sets crucial for implementing AI effectively.
