How can workers be effectively upskilled with the AI tools they need for their jobs? (2024)

This consultation asked for feedback on draft guidance to support businesses in upskilling their workers with the tools they need for jobs alongside AI.  The consultation requested comments on definitions of 4 ‘Learner Personas’ from ‘AI Citizen’ to ‘AI Leader’.  Questions also covered the appropriateness of 5 dimensions covering data privacy, stewardship, problem definition, modelling and evaluation, amongst other aspects at different skills levels.

We responded stating that the principle of delivering AI skills guidance for employers is useful in supporting business productivity and UK economic growth.  However, the current draft is very high level and broadly applicable across all organisations.  The guidance will need greater granularity with pathways towards delivery in different sectors.  It would benefit by drawing on existing competency frameworks, such as UK-SPEC around engineering, to avoid reinventing established practices.

AI is fast becoming an essential tool for increasing numbers of organisations.  Workers will need differing levels of awareness of and training on its uses, depending on their organisational roles.  The division of competence into ‘working’, ‘practitioner’ and ‘expert’ levels is useful, though again greater distinction between categories will be needed.  It’s also important to note that positions in an organisation’s hierarchy don’t necessarily correspond to the need for AI knowledge.  For example, most C-Suite don’t need to be expert in AI.  They draw on the expertise of others to set and oversee strategy.

The ‘Dimensions’ concentrate heavily on the management of data.  Whilst this is important, other factors should also be emphasised, such as systems engineering, ethics, the system lifecycle, specifications, verification and validation and risk management, together with a narrative of how the ‘Dimensions’ will work across the personas.

Given rapid changes in AI, ongoing competency updates and the dedicated allocation of resources will be essential to ensure guidelines remain current and relevant.