For many innovative employers in the United Kingdom, overcoming industry-wide skill gaps can be a significant challenge to hurdle. But as new technologies show their worth, it may be becoming easier than ever to identify and onboard the right talent at the right time to secure growth. According to a 2024 Manpower report, the UK is experiencing its most severe skills shortage in 18 years, with 80% of employers struggling to find the right candidates with the necessary skills for available roles. 80% of employers 80% of employers Worryingly, current data trends suggest that this gap is widening, with the Industrial Strategy Council estimating that 20% of the UK workforce will be significantly underskilled for their jobs by 2030. 20% of the UK workforce 20% of the UK workforce While the UK workforce remains relatively well-educated and diverse, there remains a significant shortfall between the demand for skilled workers and available candidates. With this challenge set to become more severe over time, employers are increasingly turning to emerging technologies to address workforce issues. So, how can technology overcome the UK skills gap problem? And in what ways can it foster growth for businesses affected by talent shortfalls? Automation to the Rescue While there’s certainly a case to be made that new technologies are contributing to widening the skills gap because of the greater need for training and fresh competencies among workers, they’re also helping to cut previously required skills among candidates. Using automation tools for codifying and automating workflows, routine approvals, and peer reviews, employers have the potential to lower their reliance on individualised expertise and the performance of individuals. automating workflows automating workflows Automation removes significant levels of burden from manual tasks. While a degree of oversight and intervention from humans will still be required, the technology can pick up the slack of repetitive tasks and the heavy lifting required by skilled workers. According to data from the Harvard Business Review, more than 90% of workers have suggested that automation solutions increased their productivity, while 85% claimed that the tools boosted collaboration across their teams. 90% of workers 90% of workers The 2023 survey also found that 90% of respondents trusted automation to perform tasks without error and help them make decisions faster. Supporting Data Management Thanks to advances in artificial intelligence and machine learning (ML), it’s becoming easier than ever for firms across a variety of industries to collect and compile data from structured and unstructured sources in real-time, helping to create an Internet of Things (IoT) infrastructure that produces more actionable insights to handle more complex challenges. This means that for firms seeking to bridge existing skill gaps, technology can help to cover more ground without risking losing out due to workforce limitations. existing skill gaps The power of enhanced data management is becoming increasingly prevalent in industry, and the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) offers a wealth of data that’s seamlessly linked together to support a wide range of touchpoints in real-time. This helps to cover the slack when it comes to data entry, reducing instances of manual data errors. wealth of data wealth of data Broadening Talent Pools Technology can also help to close the skills gap in the UK by broadening access to talent pools throughout the United Kingdom and beyond. Compared to most other nations, UK’s average salaries remain fairly high, standing at £3,069 ($3,484). £3,069 ($3,484) £3,069 ($3,484) Casting the net wider can put more employers in touch with a wider range of candidates with different backgrounds and experiences, helping to not only identify the best talent but also candidates who have the ideal skills to grow within their roles within a company. ideal skills Personalised Upskilling We’re also seeing artificial intelligence help to address skills gaps by actively training in-house workers in a more impactful way. address skills gaps Through personalised learning programs, platforms can train workers in a proactive way that leans on ML tools to identify comprehension gaps and fill them accordingly. Bespoke AI learning programs can interpret the learning styles of employees and deploy adaptive technologies to pinpoint where and how educational materials can be delivered, offering customised support for a more efficient and engaging learning experience. According to McKinsey insights, artificial intelligence could improve student outcomes by 20% through personalised learning paths. by 20% by 20% Addressing UK Skills Shortages Although emerging technologies are challenging more workers to evolve their skill sets faster to work with new tools and platforms, innovative solutions are still a positive development for employers seeking to address the United Kingdom’s growing skills gap. Through the handling of complex and repetitive tasks, technologies like artificial intelligence, machine learning, big data analytics, and IoT tools are not only assisting workers on an unprecedented scale but also contributing to bespoke learning and talent acquisition programs that can grow competencies at scale. The future of artificial intelligence and industry professionals is collaborative, and creating a symbiotic relationship could see both develop to benefit UK businesses in the coming years.

This story contains new, firsthand information uncovered by the writer.

Emerging Technologies Could Close the UK’s Growing Skills Gap

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