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Upskilling is an essential investment for companies across all industries. Adding to the skills and abilities of team members can make them more efficient, supporting productivity in your organization. AI is streamlining that process. Here are a few ways to harness the power of AI to support your training initiatives.

What are AI tools and how can they improve upskilling?

AI tools can be valuable for human resources and leadership teams when companies invest in upskilling.  Only  44 percent of workers . A company can stand out as a leader that invests in its staff. AI tools have been developed to evaluate specific sets of information and make decisions based on what it learns. For example, an AI program can analyze several employee skills evaluations to identify the biggest weaknesses within the organization. 

AI can save development teams several hours of work by reviewing large sets of information and finding patterns in a matter of minutes, then taking those patterns and turning them into recommendations. 

When used in upskilling, AI can create tailored programs for each  employee. These systems can identify what team members already know and the ways they can improve. Some AI tools can also identify different employee learning styles and training preferences, further customizing their learning plans.

Benefits of using AI tools in upskilling programs

There are several reasons to consider investing in AI for training programs. Here are a few ways artificial intelligence can benefit an organization and enhance training systems:

• Train smarter, not harder: Traditional training can waste time by covering what employees already know. AI-powered tools streamline the process by focusing on skill gaps that actually need attention.
• More engaging for employees: When learning paths reflect individual goals and needs, employees are more likely to stay motivated and invested in their development.
• Save time and budget: By targeting training only where it’s needed, your organization avoids unnecessary sessions and makes better use of resources.
• Track progress with ease: With built-in analytics, you can easily monitor skills development, spot areas for improvement, and see growth over time.

While upskilling can be useful he rapidly changing fields of healthcare, technology and finance. These industries  are evolving so quickly that they can change from one year to the next.. Investing in upskilling can keep a company ahead of competitors and establish a brand as a leading organization.  

Steps for implementing AI tools in upskilling programs

AI isn’t a singular tool that’s implemented in one part of a training program. Instead, it can be applied throughout the entire upskilling process and assist HR teams in multiple ways. Here are a few places where AI can shine within learning and development initiatives.

Identify the skills gap

The first step is to identify the skills a company wishes employees had — or the ones it expects them to already have — versus the ones they actually have. There are times when expectations and performance overlap strongly, so employees don’t need to be trained in specific skills. However, companies may discover that it thought employees had strong skills in one area but found them lacking after assessments. 

AI technology can help with skills gap analysis. These tools can gather data on employees and present actionable results.  

As assessments are conducted, consider the types of skills  to invest in. While the majority of companies say they want to invest in technical skills like the use of AI, a large portion of employers also want to  like problem-solving and critical thinking.

Analyze employee data

The next step is to use employee data to identify trends within the organization.  AI tools can take a big-picture view of staff and identify gaps that need to be addressed on a macro level. For example, a company may discover that its entire staff could benefit from improving their teamwork and communication abilities. 

AI systems can pull from a variety of data sources to help spot skills gaps and review different learning styles and personal training preferences. This information could help when deciding between in-person or virtual learning or show that  for teams. 

Create customized learning paths

Once analyses are complete in the first two steps, it’s time to move forward with developing customized learning paths. Organizations can provide recommended training sessions to each employee to maximize the value of their time spent engaging with learning and development materials. These AI tools can also meet employees in their desired learning styles, whether that means recommending virtual reality simulations, in-person instruction or micro-learning sessions built into the workday.  

These paths don’t have to be set in stone. Employees can work with their managers to confirm whether or not the training sessions are a good fit. AI can make mistakes and there might be more relevant options available.

Maximizing the benefits of AI in upskilling programs

AI can be an incredible professional development tool, but it’s only as useful as a company makes it. Just like any other app or system, AI requires human insight to guide it. Here are a few steps to get the most out of an AI investment. 

• Regularly evaluate AI tools to make sure they are up-to-date: AI that uses old rules or bad data will produce poor recommendations. 
• Refine AI tools to make them even better: Continue training AI systems so they produce quality results. 
• Evaluate the effectiveness of training programs: Confirm that training efforts are closing skills gaps and making employees more productive. Set key performance indicators (KPIs) to track success. 
• Check in with staff: There are always real humans behind the data points and AI recommendations. Collect to understand their thoughts and ideas for improvement with upskilling programs.

AI is valuable, but it isn’t perfect. AI-based tools require frequent maintenance and come with potential privacy concerns. Companies need to know what data they are collecting and what will be done with that information. Companies also might allow some employees to opt out of the system altogether. 

Examples of AI tools

Here is a list of some AI tools to consider:

Duolingo

Category: Language Learning
Duolingo uses AI to personalize the learning experience, adapting lessons based on the user's performance. This allows learners to engage with the material at their own pace, making language learning both fun and effective.

Key Feature: Adaptive learning that adjusts in real-time based on user progress.

Khan Academy

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Khan Academy leverages AI algorithms to provide instant feedback on exercises, helping learners understand mistakes immediately and receive personalized recommendations.

Key Feature: AI-driven real-time feedback to help enhance learning efficiency.

Skillmore^TM

Category: Skills Intelligence Platform
Skillmore is a cutting-edge AI tool designed to infer employee skills, develop custom skills taxonomies, map skills to specific job roles, and even generate job descriptions. This holistic approach supports both immediate workforce needs and long-term talent management.

Key Feature: AI-driven skills assessments, personalized learning pathways, and automated job description generation.

*Skillmoreâ„¢ is trademark of Talent Mobility, LLC. Talent Mobility, LLC (dba Skillmore) is an affiliate of ¶¶Òõ´«Ã½ and requires a separate agreement for its services. Visit Skillmore.com for more information.

Google Text-to-Speech^TM

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Google Text-to-Speech makes learning materials accessible to individuals with visual impairments. This AI-powered tool ensures that all employees, regardless of their abilities, can benefit from training programs.

Key Feature: Voice output for digital content, enhancing inclusivity in learning environments.

*Google is a registered trademark of Google LLC.

Canva

°ä²¹³Ù±ð²µ´Ç°ù²â:ÌýContent Creation/Design/Graphic Design Tool
Canva is a web-based design tool that leverage AI generators to help create images and presentations from information that you input.

Key Features: This AI-powered tool includes design tools, presentation templates, data visualization ideas, and AI tools to help you create powerful graphics and visuals.

ChatGPT

Category: Chatbot/Support Tool
ChatGPT can be integrated into learning management systems (LMS) to offer real-time assistance, answer learner queries, and provide content inspiration. This tool is especially helpful for brainstorming ideas or overcoming writer’s block.

Key Feature: AI-powered conversational support for learners and content creation assistance.

Knewton

Category: Adaptive Learning Platform
Knewton offers adaptive learning technologies that adjust content in real-time based on learner performance, ensuring that each individual gets a tailored learning experience.

Key Feature: Personalized content adjustment in response to real-time performance analytics.

TalentLMS

Category: Learning Management System (LMS)
TalentLMS integrates AI to personalize learning paths and automate administrative tasks like grading and progress tracking, allowing trainers to focus on learner engagement and content quality.

Key Feature: Automated administrative workflows and personalized learning experiences.

Moodle (with AI Plugins)

Category: Learning Management System (LMS)
Moodle's AI-powered plugins enhance its capabilities by automating grading, tracking learner progress, and suggesting learning resources based on performance.

Key Feature: AI-driven progress tracking and automated feedback.

CanvasLMS (AI-Enhanced Learning Management System)

Category:ÌýLearning Management System (LMS)
CanvasLMS leverages AI to facilitate course management, automate grading, and personalize learning experiences, making it easier for instructors to deliver effective training and educational programs.

Key Feature: AI-powered tools for streamlined course management and personalized learning.

Mya (The StepStone Group)

Category: Chatbot/Onboarding Tool
Mya is an AI chatbot designed to assist with onboarding and training by answering common questions and guiding new hires through the learning process. It’s a valuable tool for offering on-demand support during training.

Key Feature: AI-powered chatbot designed for employee onboarding and training support.

Tips for Generative AI tools use

If you do consider using a generative AI tool, please consider the following:

Data Use: Read the privacy statement and terms of use. This will tell you how the information you input in the tool is used. Best practice is to NOT input proprietary information into any generative AI, especially if you aren’t confident with how your information will be used. In some cases, you can adjust the tool settings to not use any data you input to train the AI model.

Prompts:ÌýWhen drafting prompts for generative AI, write clear and concise instructions for what you are looking for. Be specific and do not be afraid to adjust your instructions and re-generate a response.

Check Output: AI is a tool that is pulling its information from a large amount of databases. Check all information that AI outputs to verify its accuracy before sharing that information elsewhere.

Get started using AI tools

Explore how your company can use AI tools to help streamline upskilling, personalize learning and address skills gaps. When used effectively, these tools can save companies and employees time while maximizing the value of any training hours. The results will be evident in your productivity metrics and your employee engagement rates. The world will keep changing. Your business can get left behind or continue upskilling to stay ahead. 

Ready to explore how AI can help strengthen your organization’s upskilling strategy? Learn more about how we can help you build a tailored approach that supports your people and your business.