Widening gap between AI awareness and workforce readiness

Udemy has published new research suggesting that UK workers understand the significance of artificial intelligence in the workplace, yet many are not taking steps to build the skills needed to work effectively with the technology. The study, carried out by YouGov and released in Udemy’s report Ready or Not: The Emerging Gap Between Awareness and Action in AI Transformation, examines attitudes towards AI among workers in the UK, US, Brazil and India.

The research points to a growing divide between awareness of AI and its practical adoption. In the UK, more than half of respondents, 55 percent, reported that they had not undertaken any AI related training. Udemy says this highlights a mismatch between recognising AI’s importance and acting to develop relevant skills.

The study also points to what Udemy terms a rising sense of denial about the impact of AI on jobs. Workers expressed greater concern about the effects of AI on the wider economy than on their own roles, despite limited investment in training. According to the findings, 70 percent of UK respondents worried about AI’s economy wide impact, while only 39 percent expressed concern about their own job security.

• More than half of UK respondents, 55 percent, reported taking no AI related training
• Workers are more concerned about the impact of AI on the economy than on their own roles
• Younger employees are less likely to recognise gaps in their AI skills
• Hiring managers highlight communication, problem solving and adaptability as key weaknesses
• Engagement with AI training increases when it is employer led and embedded in the flow of work

Younger employees were less likely than older colleagues to acknowledge gaps in their AI capabilities. Only 17 percent of respondents aged 18 to 29 said they lacked AI skills required for their roles, compared with 28 percent of those aged 30 and above.

Across the countries surveyed, hiring managers cited communication, problem solving and adaptability as the biggest weaknesses among entry level workers. Udemy notes that these soft skills are considered increasingly important in roles where AI is being introduced, yet many younger workers do not recognise these gaps in their own skill sets.

The report also found that UK workers often prioritise hobbies or financial goals over professional development. However, engagement increased when employers provided straightforward, relevant AI training within the flow of work, suggesting that workplace learning provision can influence uptake.

Hugo Sarrazin, president and chief executive at Udemy, said the findings highlight a significant misalignment between understanding AI’s potential and preparing for its impact. He argued that psychological biases and organisational barriers may be preventing workers from developing the skills required for future roles.

Elizabeth Weingarten, head of behavioural science insights at Udemy, said that soft skills remain difficult to assess and are best developed in practical settings. She added that workers who actively invest in their skills could strengthen their position in a competitive job market.

The report is based on an online survey conducted by YouGov in September 2025 across the UK, US, Brazil and India. More than 4,800 adults aged 18 to 70 took part, with samples weighted to reflect national demographics. YouGov applied targeted oversampling of management level professionals to support detailed analysis. The margin of error was three percentage points in the UK, US and Brazil, and four percentage points in India at a 95 percent confidence level.

The full report is available from Udemy.