Bridging the AI Skills Gap: An E² Imperative

As artificial intelligence continues to reshape industries, the AI Workforce Consortium — including Cisco, Google, Microsoft, and SAP — highlights a pressing concern: 78% of IT roles now demand AI skills, yet companies face acute shortages in specialized areas such as AI ethics and security.

The consortium has committed to reskilling 95 million people globally over the next decade, offering resources including a responsible AI guide, over 200 curated AI and technical courses, and a standardized AI skills glossary.

Emerging hubs for AI talent include Silicon Valley, London, and Toronto, along with smaller markets such as Manchester, England; Lyon, France; and Vancouver, British Columbia. Companies that can close these gaps stand to move faster in innovation, while those that cannot risk falling behind.

Integrating upskilling and continuous learning has become a critical element of strategic planning. The report underscores that the race for AI-ready talent is no longer optional — it's a defining factor in organizational competitiveness.

SHRM's E² (Education-to-Employment) Initiative recognizes this same challenge across industries. By connecting employers, educators, and policymakers, E² promotes skills-first strategies that prepare workers for evolving roles — including those driven by AI. Through partnerships, awareness campaigns, and pilot programs, SHRM is advancing practical approaches to help HR leaders access talent, design training pathways, and ensure employees are ready for the jobs of tomorrow.

AI may be accelerating the demand for new skills, but the underlying challenge — aligning education and employment — is one SHRM and its members are uniquely positioned to solve.