AI-Ready Employees: How Skills-First Training Drives Business Impact

As organisations navigate the rapid rise of AI, the challenge is no longer simply acquiring technology; it’s preparing people to use it effectively. Many companies are realising that access to AI tools alone doesn’t translate into business impact. Employees need meaningful opportunities to develop skills that can be applied immediately, helping teams work smarter and make better decisions.In this episode of Tech Transformed, Christina Stathopoulos, Founder of Dare to Data, speaks with Gary Eimerman, Chief Learning Officer at Multiverse, about the pressing challenge of closing the AI and data skills gap in the workforce. They explore how organisations can build an AI-ready workforce, focusing on non-technical employees and the importance of a skills-first approach to learning.The Skills-First ApproachMultiverse champions a skills-first approach to upskilling employees in AI and data, asserting that this targeted training drives measurable business impact, including increased productivity, revenue growth, and time savings. This strategy moves beyond general AI literacy to focus on practical, applied learning. By diagnosing both organisational needs and individual skill levels, the approach identifies gaps and prescribes tailored, project-based learning experiences. Employees don’t just complete modules in isolation; they work on real-world projects that apply the skills they are learning from day one, reinforcing retention and ensuring that training contributes to tangible outcomes.Learning in the AI EraGary explains that learning in the AI era is not simply about providing tools or access to content; it’s about driving behaviour change, aligning learning with business outcomes, and embedding a culture of continuous skill development. As AI reshapes both the work we do and the way we learn, organisations that invest in people-first strategies position themselves to thrive rather than merely adapt. This conversation demonstrates that the future of work is always on learning, and that meaningful investment in AI and data skills is no longer optional; it’s a critical driver of business success.Unlocking Workforce PotentialBy combining practical, applied training with ongoing support and measurable outcomes, companies can not only close the AI skills gap but also unlock the full potential of their workforce in an era defined by rapid technological change.TakeawaysTechnology alone is never enough; people must be invested in.Reskilling is a necessity due to technological disruption.Organisations must focus on human behaviour change, not just software deployment.A skills-first approach is critical for effective learning.Learning should be project-based and applied immediately.Non-technical roles are increasingly adopting AI tools.Creating time and space for learning is essential.Highlighting success stories builds confidence in using AI.Measuring impact through metrics like revenue per employee is vital.The future of work requires a cultural shift towards continuous learning.Chapters00:00 Closing the AI and Data Skills Gap02:02 Challenges in Building an AI-Ready Workforce06:06 The Skills First Approach to Learning10:04 Supporting Non-Technical Employees in AI13:46 Measuring the Impact of AI Skills Investment18:13 The Evolution of Learning in the AI Era22:59 Preparing for the Future of WorkAbout MultiverseMultiverse is the upskilling platform for AI and tech adoption. Multiverse has partnered with over 1,500 companies to deliver a new kind of learning that’s transforming the workforce through tech skills.Multiverse apprenticeships are for people of any age or career stage and focus on critical AI, data and tech skills. Multiverse learners have driven $2bn + ROI for their employers, using the skills they’ve learned to improve productivity and measurable performance.For more information, visit www.multiverse.io