Fluency in AI tools is becoming a core requirement rather than a niche specialism.
With the AI market valued at over 600 billion dollars and projected to grow more than fivefold in the next five years, artificial intelligence is solidifying its position as a global technology trend for 2025. This rapid growth is driven by organisations integrating AI across everything from operations to customer experience, creating a rising demand for tech professionals with machine learning expertise.
Now is the time to build the skills that will keep your career moving forward.
What skills to focus on?
1. Programming for AI (Python, R)
To work effectively with AI models, you need to understand how they’re built, and that starts with coding. Strong foundations in programming languages like Python and R are crucial, as these are the most widely used in machine learning and data science. Platforms like Coursera, Udacity, and DataCamp offer accessible AI training programmes that incorporate coding practice into their learning paths, making it easier to gain both theoretical and hands-on experience. To deepen your skills, explore GitHub projects, contribute to open-source AI tools, and challenge yourself with AI coding competitions.
2. Data Engineering
AI systems are only as effective as the data they’re built on. Clean, structured, and accessible information is essential for training accurate models, and that’s where data engineers come in. They design and maintain the infrastructure that feeds AI, from data pipelines to storage solutions. For tech professionals aiming to move into AI-focused tech jobs, understanding how to prepare and manage data is a valuable asset. Platforms like edX and Pluralsight offer comprehensive courses on ETL processes, big data tools, and cloud-based architecture. To stay ahead, engage with communities on Stack Overflow, attend industry meetups, and learn from real-world case studies.
3. Cloud and Infrastructure (AWS, Azure, GCP)
For IT professionals, cloud skills are a natural bridge into AI roles. Gaining certifications in platforms like AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud not only deepens your technical knowledge but also demonstrates your ability to support AI workloads at scale. These cloud providers even offer free training labs, AI-focused courses, and sandbox environments to help you practise in a hands-on setting.
4. Ethics, governance and responsible AI
As AI becomes more embedded in decision-making, it's important to understand not just how it works but also how to use it responsibly. Issues like algorithmic bias, lack of transparency, and data privacy can have serious ethical and legal implications. For those aiming to lead AI projects, having a clear grasp of these issues is especially valuable.
Short courses, such as Google’s Responsible AI practices, and platforms like FutureLearn can help you build a solid foundation in ethical AI. Additionally, stay informed by following policy discussions, joining online ethics forums, and listening to podcasts that explore the real-world impact of AI.
5. Staying connected
Immersing yourself in the wider AI community helps you apply what you’ve learned, spot emerging trends, and build a network of like-minded professionals. Go beyond structured learning by joining webinars, following AI thought leaders on LinkedIn, subscribing to podcasts, and attending major industry events. These experiences keep you engaged, expose you to real-world applications, and can open doors to future technology jobs and collaborations.
Another way to stay connected and engaged in the AI space is by building relationships with technology recruiters. They can significantly enhance your upskilling journey and offer direct insights into the qualifications and expertise that employers are prioritising, ensuring you focus on the right areas for growth. By partnering with recruitment companies that specialise in technology jobs, you can receive personalised guidance on what’s sought after in the market and how to make your profile more attractive. They also assist with CV building, interview preparation, and career growth, helping you thrive in the fast-paced AI landscape.
