As artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming the way we work, and as it continues to evolve, leaders face the critical challenge of training their workforce to stay ahead and keep pace with the latest advancements.
As AI continues to get integrated into daily tasks, government leaders must be agile and take a strategic approach to skills development, ensuring employees are equipped with the necessary knowledge and tools to thrive in an evolving, AI-enabled landscape. However, it’s crucial to set realistic expectations regarding the shifting demands for skills and to develop comprehensive plans to prepare the government workforce for the future.
Balancing the promise of AI with practical training and development initiatives will be key for government agencies looking to harness its full potential while fostering a resilient and adaptable workforce.
Skill development as an imperative
According to CompTIA’s Industry Outlook 2024 report, AI promises tremendous opportunities across areas ranging from new and updated job roles to productivity and innovation gains for both individuals and organizations. AI and automation are ultimately productivity enhancers, the report details. If an agency finds that a workflow enabled by AI doubles worker productivity, adding workers can multiply the effect of the AI investment.
But, alongside the implementation of a new technology, government IT leaders must have a matching strategy around building skills – the notion of transformation does not just apply to the solution stack, it also applies to the skill sets required to enable those technologies.
As technologies like AI continue to evolve, so must the skills of those working with them. According to the report, enabling employees to make the best use of these technologies requires a multi-pronged approach.
59% of companies expect to pursue training options
41% expect to explore new hiring
41% expect to pursue certifications for their technical staff
However, when it comes to hiring new workers, expectations do not always match reality. One of the main obstacles leaders face in hiring plans is the available supply of workers that fit the criteria, which poses talent restraints. Therefore, investing in training and certifications for employees at all levels will be critical components to keeping employees current on the latest technological advancements.
The AI skill mix is evolving
Despite the recent surge in interest following the release of ChatGPT in 2022, AI has been around for quite some time. However, unlike traditional tech products, AI is not a standalone product but rather an enabling tool that enhances the existing technology stack, including infrastructure, software, and data. This represents a significant shift for the tech industry, which has historically been product centric. AI's role as an integrative force underscores its potential to revolutionize and optimize current technologies, rather than replace them.
As AI continues to permeate various aspects of technology and business, AI competency is poised to become an integral component of overall digital fluency. Just as basic computer skills and internet literacy have become essential in the modern workplace, understanding and leveraging AI tools and concepts in areas like automation, cybersecurity, and data will be crucial for employees across all sectors. This shift will require individuals to not only grasp the fundamentals of AI but also to apply these insights to enhance productivity, drive innovation, and solve complex problems. Consequently, fostering AI competency will be vital for organizations aiming to maintain a competitive edge in an increasingly digital world.
Naturally, specialized new job roles will emerge, but the report suggests that AI skills will also need to be integrated into job roles that already exist, echoing the need for all employees, regardless of their job role, to have some level of AI competency.
How CompTIA is approaching AI skills training
To support this growing need for an AI-enabled workforce, CompTIA announced the new Essentials and Expansions Series, which will address the need for AI skills competencies in four existing job clusters: software development, cybersecurity, systems operations (SySOps), and data analytics; and two emerging job roles, prompt engineering and AI systems architects.
CompTIA Essentials | |
AI Essentials | Any occupation |
CompTIA Expansions | |
Sec AI+ | Security Engineers |
PenTest AI+ | Penetration Testers |
CySA AI+ | Security Analysts |
Data AI+ | Data Analysts |
AI SysOp+ | Systems Operations |
AI Scripting+ | Tech Support, Network Operations |
AI Architect+ | AI Systems Architects |
AI Prompt+ | Prompt Engineers |
The CompTIA Essentials Series will be performance-based training programs designed to boost foundational technological competence across a range of job roles, in both tech-specific positions and adjacent occupations that rely on technology.
The CompTIA Expansion Series focuses on building deeper advanced skills for specific industries and job roles on top of an underlying CompTIA Plus (+) or Pro certification (Sec AI+ as an expansion to Security+ for example) allowing employees to keep up with technological advancements without re-treading skills previously acquired and frequently practiced.
Follow this link to learn how to empower your team with training and certifications.
Source: IT Industry Outlook 2024 Report
