Marvin OnumonuS&A Academy has warned that UK economic growth predicted by the IMF is at risk due to a major shortage of skills in artificial intelligence (AI) and data.
The company said the shortage could hit supply chain, productivity, and national infrastructure services.
Insurance, finance, manufacturing, logistics and healthcare are among the sectors affected, with a lack of professionals in AI, data and automation already causing problems.
S&A Academy said these shortages are made worse by a lack of clear strategy and leadership in senior management, with many leaders reluctant to embrace change due to legacy systems and security concerns.
S&A Academy reported a 100% achievement rate for its apprenticeship training last year.
The company has launched new apprenticeships to target these shortage areas.
Jemma Perks (pictured), managing director at S&A Academy, said, “We are facing a digital transformation crisis across the UK economy.
“The economic impact of skills shortages in the insurance, finance, manufacturing, logistics and healthcare sectors are happening now.
“We are currently seeing a real risk of operational disruption due to a lack of skills in these areas.”
Perks added: “This isn’t just a training issue; it’s a supply chain and productivity issue that affects British businesses and their consumers.
“Demand for qualified and skilled professionals in tech, data and AI across insurance, finance, manufacturing, logistics and healthcare are outstripping the numbers of skilled professionals available.
“Across British companies there is a severe skills and talent shortage coupled with a resistance to change culture which is creating a perfect storm to throttle the British economy.”
She said: “At the same time there is also strong demand for a newer generation of skilled professionals in data, tech and AI who can embrace change and transformation.
“This often means a ‘culture clash’ as established senior leaders in organisations are also reluctant to embrace change culture due to legacy systems, complex new technology and systems.”
S&A Academy plans to roll out tailored training and apprenticeships to help plug the skills gap in STEM jobs.
The aim is to make sure employees are ready for digital transformation and able to use data, AI and generative AI in their work.
Perks added: “In order for the British economy to grow at the levels predicted by the IMF and for us to keep up with the rapid advancement of tech, data and AI, we need to ensure that we have fully skilled tech workforces in data, AI and Generative AI, that are trained and upskilled to fully embrace the rapid pace of digital transformation.”
