The AI boom is raising the bar for entry-level work while many employers cut their training offerings. Jonny Phillips makes the case for a national skills guarantee so people can build baseline AI capability and confidence. Practical, relevant support helps candidates apply sooner, interview better, and avoid being left behind.
The job market is a vast and complex world that can often be intimidating for those outside of it. The recent AI boom has only made it more challenging for many, with organisations now expecting AI skills as minimum for new hires.
In reality, while organisations invest vast sums into new AI infrastructures and systems to boost, research has found that at the same time skills development is being left behind. Data from the British Chambers of Commerce found that one in five UK businesses is cutting staff training budgets.
There is a need for support for people across the board, both in and out of work, by providing them with the baseline skills to use AI
As a result, the UK now risks finding itself with a burgeoning AI skills gap, driven largely by people being asked to use AI before they’re confident using it. There is a need for support for people across the board, both in and out of work, by providing them with the baseline skills to use AI at home and in employment.
The case for a national skills guarantee
Analysis by the University of Essex shows that 54% of small and medium enterprises (SME) are now using AI tools, more than double the 25% reported in 2024. AI is quickly moving away from being seen as a specialist skill. In fact, it is becoming part of everyday working life, whether that’s asking better questions, organising information or improving communication.
In many cases, people are being asked to use AI before they feel ready. A national skills guarantee would mean everyone has access to training courses that meet their unique needs. It would ensure that all people, both in and out of work, are equipped with a base level understanding of how to access and use common AI tools. Everyone should feel empowered to retrieve new information in AI search tools, enhance their writing and perform previously time intensive tasks at pace.
Crucial to AI’s success is ensuring that everyone has the skills to operate with confidence in today’s world. Ensuring that people have access to training and resources is the first step in this process and can drive growth AI skills quickly and effectively, to ensure nobody is left behind.
How AI is changing the entry-level role
Entry-level roles, which have traditionally been the starting point for many, are therefore changing quickly. Tasks are being reshaped by automation and AI, and expectations are shifting with them. People both in and out of work are expected to feel comfortable using tools that didn’t exist a few years ago and need the training to feel confident in tackling them.
For someone trying to get into work, training and support makes a real difference. Without it, even entry-level roles can feel out of reach. With it, people move quicker, apply more effectively, and interview with more confidence.
In order to maximise the impact of AI, it’s integral that people outside of work, employees and senior leaders are equipped with the skills to utilise it in their role.
Why access to jobs isn’t enough on its own
Finding work isn’t an easy task. Many people report believing that they don’t have the right skills or experience to find a new role, indicating that confidence is a real barrier.
At times, people exclude themselves from work before it even comes to applying, fearing that they aren’t the right fit. For those people, support to instil confidence can make a real difference.
Obstacles to finding work take on many shapes and sizes and aren’t represented well by government figures on the number of vacancies and whether it’s going up or down. Behind the numbers are people ready to learn and ready to take new skills into work.
What actually makes the difference
There’s no shortage of conversation about upskilling, skills boosters and bootcamps but too often the approach misses the mark for the majority of people. Good, effective training provides clarity and practical knowledge.
It isn’t always about covering everything. It’s about keeping things practical, building early wins, and showing immediate relevance to real situations.
To really make a difference, in order to build confidence and help people to move into work, we need to meet them where they are and show them, quickly, that they can use AI and see it have real impact for themselves.
When someone realises they can use AI to improve their CV or solve a problem, something shifts. They stop seeing it as a barrier and start seeing it as something they can use and apply to other aspects of their day-to-day.
Why opportunity alone isn’t enough
Real change comes from combining opportunity with the skills and confidence to take it. The bottom line is if someone doesn’t feel ready to enter the workforce, they won’t apply for a new role. And even if they do manage to find work, they still need to be equipped with the right skills to ensure they stay and feel capable to turn it into long-term, sustainable employment.
If we don’t address the skills gap as it is now, we risk creating a group of people who feel permanently locked out of work. The gap can be closed, but it starts with something simple: giving people the baseline skills and confidence to take part.
Jonny Phillips is Managing Director at Strive Training
