PwC Report Revealed Growing Workplace AI Skills Gap

New research shows that while workplace AI use has climbed, access to necessary training resources has simultaneously fallen.

Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Careers

Isometric editorial illustration of silicon wafers and manuals arranged in two separate stacks, representing the widening workplace technology and training gap.
PwC research shows that workforce AI integration has outpaced the availability of professional training resources, leaving over half of employees struggling to adapt. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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PwC published a report indicating that workforce AI usage increased by 10 points even as access to learning and development resources declined by 8 points. Consequently, 56 percent of workers now lack the resources required to keep pace with technological change.

Why it matters

The findings suggest a deepening divide between the rapid acceleration of workplace AI and the support systems available to employees. This disparity directly influences job stability and worker satisfaction as the professional landscape shifts.

Workplace AI usage has risen by 10 points while access to development resources dropped 8 points. Currently, 29 percent of employees with strong AI skills are likely to change employers within the next year.

The players

PwC

PwC is a multinational professional services network that provides audit, tax, and consulting services to businesses worldwide.

The details

Employees who utilize AI daily report higher levels of trust in management and perceptions of job security. Meanwhile, only one third of workers report having disposable income at the end of the month, a figure that has decreased by 8 percent year on year.

Timeline

  1. PwC published the report regarding workplace AI divides on September 29, 2026.

  2. Nearly one third of highly skilled AI employees are likely to change employers within the next year.

Market Landscape

The findings follow the PwC report on workplace AI divides, which marks a significant shift in how companies must manage internal human capital during technological transitions. This trend signals that organizations failing to provide adequate training risk losing their most capable, AI-proficient talent to competitors.

Employees may find their job security and professional standing linked to their ability to access training for increasingly common AI tools. Workers currently feeling a lack of support in their roles may face a tighter financial situation, as indicated by the reported decrease in monthly disposable income.

The takeaway

Organizations must prioritize accessible training resources to retain talent and bridge the emerging skills divide. Individuals should proactively seek professional development to maintain their value and security in an increasingly automated work environment.

Further reading

Learn more about evolving labor market trends and professional development in the Careers section.

Live Poll

Do you feel your employer provides the training needed to keep up with new technology?