The UK government faces a major challenge as it launches its AI Opportunity Action Plan, which aims to increase the implementation of new technologies in order to boost economic development. It must ensure that every industry is ready for this seismic change.
It is interesting to note that both UK employers as well as employees agree on the importance education plays in bridging the gap between innovation and implementation.
According to the 2025 Tech Trends Report, which provides insights into our 2.8M users’ most popular tech topics, demand for AI-related materials has risen in 2024. This is especially true of courses related to prompt engineering (+456%) or GenAI (+289%). The demand for AI skills such as deep learning, NLP and model monitoring also increased. Many employees still lack the skills and expertise to interact with complex AI systems.
Organisations need to set an example. Companies that integrate AI into their operations and upskill employees demonstrate their commitment to growth and innovation. Continuous learning is not an option this year; it’s now a strategic imperative. We’ll look at how leaders of businesses can create a continuous learning strategy that will enable this shift.
Continuous Learning: A Strategic Imperative for AI Readiness
Employers are responsible for preparing their employees to deal with disruptive technologies. Investing in learning and development will unlock AI’s full potential while encouraging loyalty and retention.
Organisations must also integrate training into their workflows. Platforms which allow employees to perform tasks in real environments, such as automating routine processes or building predictive models, will make training more relevant. This will help both employers and employees to understand the value of learning. How can employers implement this without disrupting their workflow?
Harnessing Learning, in the Flow of Work
Continuous learning is more than just a workshop or certification. It involves fostering a culture that encourages curiosity and adaptability, empowering employees with the knowledge and skills to tackle new challenges and seek out opportunities for growth.
Many employees do not have the time to dedicate to learning in addition to their daily responsibilities. Organisations must offer a variety of ways to learn, as more employees want the chance and tools to do so while they are working.
Employers can take advantage of ‘in-flow’ learning opportunities to achieve this. Josh Bersin coined this phrase to describe the paradigm where employees learn new skills, apply them quickly and then return to work. This is different than traditional learning methods like attending a conference or seminar. The traditional formats are great for beginners or those who want to learn something new. However, many professionals already know a lot and prefer to quickly find an answer. This method is more effective and requires less time.
In the flow of work learning gives employees tools to find answers quickly to questions that are contextually relevant at a convenient time. This simple concept is a next step in the continuous learning process – something many companies claim to value, but few can prove.
Companies can achieve best results by offering ‘in-flow of work’ learning through an L&D Partner. This allows staff at all levels to have access to high-quality learning materials, which are tailored to each individual’s learning style and goals. Employees should also prioritize their own L&D in order to become an indispensable asset to their organization during this time of economic uncertainty and technological disruption.
Bridging Innovation and Implementation
The AI Opportunity Action Plan of the UK government offers a bold future vision, but its success depends on the workforce that is equipped to make this vision a reality. These ambitious plans highlight the importance of aligning worker capabilities with technological advances.
Investment in continuous learning is crucial as the UK strives to become a leader in AI. It will also help drive growth, develop talent and ensure a future in which technology and workforce flourish simultaneously.
To minimise disruptions to the workflow, it is important to empower employees to apply and access contextually relevant knowledge and resources at their point-of-need – also known as “in the flow of learning”. This approach, when paired with materials of high quality from a trusted L&D provider, will enable employees to bridge that gap between innovation and execution.
