BofE Data Chief Urges Investment in Upskilling Non-Tech Employees for AI Success

As companies seek to integrate generative AI into their operations, a critical aspect often overlooked is the necessity of investing in the workforce. This includes upskilling employees across all levels, especially those in non-technical roles, and cultivating a culture that embraces responsible AI use.

Lee Fulmer, the independent chair of the Transforming Data Collection board at the Bank of England, highlighted this imperative at Tech Show London. He stated, “There is not a company on the planet where at least one employee does not have a ChatGPT account, whether there is a company policy on how to use it or not.” This observation underscores the reality that many employees are already exploring AI technologies independently, showcasing their curiosity and eagerness to learn.

Fulmer advocated for businesses to allocate a portion of their AI budgets not just for technology deployment but also for employee training. Particularly, he noted the need to include individuals over the age of 40, who may be less familiar with emerging technologies. Citing a successful initiative from the Singaporean government that funds digital skills training for older citizens, Fulmer suggested that the UK could leverage institutions like the Open University to provide subsidized training modules on emerging technologies.

The focus, he emphasized, should be on increasing access among the entire population, not just the small percentage currently employed in the tech sector. He remarked, “We need to start looking at how do we increase the access to the 65 million people in this country, not the six million people in the sector?”

Fulmer further pointed out that the landscape of AI implementation has shifted. Tools are now more accessible, and those who drive their adoption are often non-technical professionals. He noted, “Most of the AI experts that I have come across have never written a line of code in their lives. They are the people who have managed tech deployments or oversee businesses where they see a significant impact.”

While data scientists were once in high demand, there is now a growing need for individuals skilled in prompt engineering—the art of crafting effective queries to drive AI performance. Interestingly, Fulmer mentioned that many effective prompt engineers come from backgrounds in literature or linguistics, showcasing the diverse skill set necessary in today's AI landscape.

As competition for talent intensifies, Fulmer challenged companies to rethink their budget allocation: “Why not put [the budget] into the 90% of the population of the company who do not have any skills in using these tools?” He concluded by emphasizing that as job roles naturally evolve, organizations that prioritize helping their employees adapt to these changes will ultimately become more productive and successful.

By fostering an environment of continuous learning and embracing technological changes, companies can ensure that their workforce is not only equipped to leverage generative AI but also motivated to innovate and excel in the evolving landscape.