Building the Future-Ready Workforce: AI Fluency Is the New Literacy
As AI reshapes our world faster than we imagined, the question we face isn’t whether we need an AI-ready workforce — it’s how quickly we can build one that’s inclusive, imaginative, and equipped for what’s next.
We believe this shift is about reimagining the entire talent lifecycle, from nursery to boardroom. That’s why, when asked to contribute to techUK’s spotlight on the UK’s AI ecosystem, I brought together colleagues from across disciplines to co-create our collective view. What emerged was clear: technical skills for the future are vital, but they’re not enough for an AI world.
AI isn’t the future. It’s here — and accelerating.
“The rapid adoption and rate of change is phenomenal,” said David Wilson, a technical consultant. “When I first started exploring AI, I thought AGI was 20 years away. Now I think it could be five.”
This acceleration is already transforming job markets. The World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2025 shows the most in-demand skills are not technical or literacy. Analytical thinking, creative thinking, resilience, and curiosity top the list. These are not ’nice-to-haves' — they are critical for navigating an AI-infused economy.
As AI continues to evolve and take on more tasks, the role of human input is shifting. In this new landscape, meaning and purpose are becoming the key motivators- especially for younger generations, who may be asking “What’s the point?”. AI can feel like just another obstacle, but those who are grounded in a strong sense of why will be the ones who adapt, thrive and find their place.
Creativity and STEM
One of the most thought-provoking tensions that emerged in our workshop was between investing in creativity versus technical STEM proficiency. Some argued, reasonably, that AI development demands strong foundations in maths, data science, and engineering. As one colleague put it, “In a tight fiscal environment, prioritising vocational STEM training offers more immediate return.”
But others challenged that view. “We don’t need more professional artists,” said Joanna Finlay, Consulting Manager, “but we do need kids to do music, dance, art — because it makes their brains more agile and imaginative.”
I agree. These creative capacities are what AI can’t (yet) replicate — but exactly what we need to design the ethical, intuitive, and inclusive tech of the future.
Consulting Manager Mark Henderson captured this perfectly:
“An AI-ready workforce might actually be 80% AI. So the human 20%? That better be exceptional. It had better be creative, ethical, and curious — or we’ll just be dominated by the tools we’ve built.”
Collectively we explored a future that isn't STEM or arts — maybe it’s Createch: the fusion of creativity and technology. As Charles Landry, a leading international authority on the use of imagination and creativity in urban change, says, “Distinctions between ‘cultural’, ‘creative’ and ‘digital’ enterprises are fast eroding.” This interplay must start early — and it must be deliberate.
Start young. Upskill wide. Embed learning for life.
Our collective view is simple: we need to start early, learn differently, and adapt constantly.
“AI should be taught at primary school,” said Jonathan Cave, Consulting Manager. “It’s as important now as maths and english.” Fellow Consulting Manager, Selina Satchell agreed: “There’s a chunk of development before primary school — nursery even — where kids are already engaging with AI-powered tools.”
But education alone won’t bridge the gap. We must rethink learning across the workforce. That means:
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Accessible reskilling now for those at risk of being left behind.
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Just-in-time training to keep pace with evolving tools.
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Critical thinking and ethical reasoning as core competencies.
We also need to govern AI learning itself. “Who decides what’s fact in an AI-generated world, and what should be taught?” asked Jonathan. "It raises important questions about how we teach truth, trust, and technology in the age of AI."
Our call to action: Invest in humans as well as the tech
AI is already changing the way we work and live. To stay ahead, the UK must invest in people — not just technology.
Here’s what we need to do:
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Start early with AI education, creativity and STEM, making sure children learn how to use and understand AI from the start.
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Help businesses give all workers access to just-in-time on-the-job learning, so no one gets left behind.
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Make AI learning part of everyday life, not just something you do at the start of your career.
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Teach people to think critically about AI, so they can use it wisely and ask the right questions.
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Create a holistic approach to education, including preparing society for the impacts of AI, and not just the skills in isolation.
The AI era demands more than technical know-how. It demands human ingenuity. Let’s build a workforce that’s technically confident, creatively alive, and critically prepared for what’s next.
techUK - Seizing the AI Opportunity
The UK is a global leader in AI innovation, development and adoption.
The economic growth and productivity gain that AI can unlock is vast, but to fully harness this transformative opportunity, immediate action is required. Our aim is to ensure the UK seizes the opportunities presented by AI technology and continues to be a world leader in AI development.
Get involved: techUK runs a busy calendar of activities including events, reports, and insights to demonstrate some of the most significant AI opportunities for the UK. Our AI Hub is where you will find details of all upcoming activity. We also send a monthly AI newsletter which you can subscribe to here.
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Usman Ikhlaq
Usman Ikhlaq
Usman joined techUK in January 2024 as Programme Manager for Artificial Intelligence.
He leads techUK’s AI Adoption programme, supporting members of all sizes and sectors in adopting AI at scale. His work involves identifying barriers to adoption, exploring solutions, and helping to unlock AI’s transformative potential, particularly its benefits for people, the economy, society, and the planet. He is also committed to advancing the UK’s AI sector and ensuring the UK remains a global leader in AI by working closely with techUK members, the UK Government, regulators, and devolved and local authorities.
Since joining techUK, Usman has delivered a regular drumbeat of activity to engage members and advance techUK's AI programme. This has included two campaign weeks, the creation of the AI Adoption Hub (now the AI Hub), the AI Leader's Event Series, the Putting AI into Action webinar series and the Industrial AI sprint campaign.
Before joining techUK, Usman worked as a policy, regulatory and government/public affairs professional in the advertising sector. He has also worked in sales, marketing, and FinTech.
Usman holds an MSc from the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), a GDL and LLB from BPP Law School, and a BA from Queen Mary University of London.
When he isn’t working, Usman enjoys spending time with his family and friends. He also has a keen interest in running, reading and travelling.
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Becky Davis
Becky’s key purpose is to help government organisations understand their customers and their business better, so she can be able to deliver personalised consulting solutions that make a real difference to people. At Sopra Steria she helps her clients to articulate and deliver their vision of the future; redesigning their services/products to deliver real value, making the most of technology, but primarily shifting their cultures and practices to achieve their ambitions.