The past few years have seen Artificial Intelligence (AI) transition from a buzzword to a pivotal force driving change across industries. In the UK, this transformation has triggered a surge in demand for professionals skilled in Microsoft technologies, particularly within the AI domain. Our clients are witnessing this paradigm shift first-hand.
82% of leaders say their employees will need new skills to be prepared for the growth of AI.
WHERE ARE WE SEEING THE BIGGEST IMPACT?
AI Specialists: The demand for AI specialists who can harness the power of Microsoft's AI tools has skyrocketed. These experts are instrumental in crafting intelligent systems that drive innovation in business processes and elevate customer experiences, making them a crucial asset for our clients.
- Data Scientists: Data is the lifeblood of AI, and as our clients embrace the data-driven future, the role of data scientists becomes paramount. Proficiency in Microsoft technologies is essential for extracting actionable insights from data stored in Azure, Dynamics 365, and Power Platform.
- Developers Proficient in Microsoft's AI Solutions: Our clients increasingly seek developers proficient in Microsoft's AI solutions*. These developers are tasked with creating AI-infused applications that streamline automation, elevate data analytics, and facilitate data-driven decision-making, all of which are pivotal in staying competitive.
*Developers with AI skills have increased by 36% in the last year (LinkedIn Talent Insights Report, October 2023)
WIDER IMPACT ON SKILLS DEMAND IN THE UK
According to ITJobsWatch, AI (Artificial Intelligence) has actually experienced a decline in its demand ranking. In 2022, it held the 84th position among the most in-demand skills for IT-related jobs, but it has now slipped to the 91st position.
The decrease in AI's demand ranking is an intriguing development in an otherwise AI-driven job market. Several factors might contribute to this shift…
Saturation: The job market might be saturated with professionals claiming AI skills, leading to a perceived decrease in demand. As AI becomes more integrated into various roles, it's possible that the need for dedicated AI specialists has plateaued.
Professionals citing ‘Artificial Intelligence’ as a skill on Linkedin has increased by 61% in the past year (Linkedin Talent Insights Report, October 2023).
AI as a Complementary Skill: AI skills are increasingly becoming a complementary asset rather than a standalone specialty. Many professionals in diverse fields are expected to possess AI literacy to enhance their effectiveness.
“People also believe it can enhance creativity, from formulating ideas for their work (76%) to editing their work (75%). The more people understand AI, the more they see its promise to help with the most meaningful parts of their jobs. For example, 87% of workers in creative roles 3 who are extremely familiar with AI said they’d be comfortable using AI for creative aspects of their job.”
Specificity of AI Roles: Organisations may now seek highly specialised AI professionals when needed, rather than maintaining a constant demand for AI skills across the board.
For example, AI is now heavily supporting Low code / No code development, allowing Citizen Developers (read about this in more detail) to build solutions using platforms such as Microsoft’s Power Apps. To read more on this, follow the link below.
https://www.techtarget.com/searchitoperations/tip/How-AI-affects-low-code-no-code-for-DevOps
Implications for Our Clients
While AI's ranking in the list of in-demand skills has decreased, its importance in the context of Microsoft technologies is undeniable. It's crucial for our clients to strike the right balance between evolving with the industry and making informed decisions about their talent needs.
